



/.^ 


{■-<"" 


o ^vT^^^ 


m.'. ""^--o^ 




V .^'-^-^ \W /% °^' .^'\ 




'^-./ 



A^ 







<J,v . . « 



o_ -» 









<^' -^^ 



0' 



*o 











•^-^^ 









^o V 




•^ 









i^ 






* 0<f 




EARLY REMINISCENCES 



Pioneer Life in Kansas, 



REV. JAMES SHAW 



INTRODUCTION BY 



REV. A. H. TEVIS, M. D., I). D. 



6?l 



PKliSS OF 

Haskell Printing Company 

iS86. i 






TO 

MY BRETHREN OF THE 

KANSAS MINISTRY, 

WHO HAVE BORNE THE BURDENS WITH 

ME, OF EARLY YEARS, AND ARE NOW 

WAITING THEIR TRANSFERS TO THE FIELDS OF 

HEAVEN ; AND, TO THE YOUNGER MEN IN THE RANKS 

OF OUR OWN CONFERENCE, WHO HAVE 

TAKEN OUR PLACES, AND ARE PUSHING ON 

THE VICTORIES OF THE CROSS, THEIR 

FACES MADE RADIANT IN THE LIGHT WHICH BEAMS 

FROM THE THRONE OF GOD ; AND TO 

THE MEMORY OF THE GOOD AND TRUE, WHO 

OFTEN SHELTERED AND FED ME AND 

MINE, IN THE LONG AGO, THIS 

VOLUME OF REMINISCENCES 

IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 
BY THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE. 



I am urged to publish this volume of Rem- 
iniscences by many iriends, whose love I ap- 
preciate, and \^hose opinions I greatly respect. 
One half of the proceeds from the sale of this 
volume, after meeting the expense of publication, 
shall go to the Preachers' Aid Society of the 
Kansas Conference. Therefore, I hope the 
members of my Conference will take an interest 
in the financial success of its publication, and 
thereby help a noble society in extending aid to 
an increasing number of most lionorable, yet, 
often, very needy ministers and their families. 



The publication of these Reminiscences has 
been long delayed tor two special reasons: want 
of confidence by tlie author, in his ability to 
write an interesting work, and the want of means 
to defray the expenses. I do hope for the co- 
operation of my brethren in its sale. 

There will be found, no doubt, many defects, 
for which I ask great forbearance. I have not 
aimed to write a history, but a reminiscence — or 
a memory of the past. 

Many persons, to whom alhision is made, have 
long since been dead. I liave not always so 
stated the fact in these pages, how-ever, for the 
reason that these chaptei's were first prepared for 
Ministerial Associations, etc., and now I am too 
infirm to revise, and make them as correct as I 
wish they were. J. S. 

Atchison, Kansas, December, 1886. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER PAGE 

I Lake Superior District, - - - 17 

II From 1856 to 1858, 34 

III Second Year in Kansas, - - - - 49 

IV Omaha Conference, . . . . 73 
V Leavenworth Conference, •- - - 88 

VI Atchison Conference, - - - - 105 

VII Rugged Experiences, . . . . nc 

VIII Wyandotte Conference, - - - 133 

IX Conference at Lawrence, - - - 147 

X Leavenavorth Conference, - - 158 

XI The Topeka Conference, - - - 179 

XII Baldwin City Conference, - - 194 

XIII Manhattan Conference, - - - 207 

XIV Changes, - - 221 

XV Conclusion, . _ - . - . 229 



INTRODUCTION, 



How little we, ot the present, know of the 
heroism of pioneer days! The great improve- 
ments of modern civilization — railroads, electric 
telegraph, telephone, and daily mails — have 
driven away forever, the frontier^ as the fathers, 
in the itinerant ministry, so well understood it ; 
it was no theorizing with them, but a hard, 
trying, but, withal, a joyous experience. 

The christian world gazes at the Methodist 
organization, as an intelligent traveler, will stand 
amidst the arches of the world's grandest temple 
— its marble brought from the richest quarries 
of foreign lands, and its adornments laid on by 
masters of the highest arts — wrapped in admira- 
tion of the scene, and yet, but little thinking, or 
caring, of the toils, sacrifices, and sufferings of 



12 REMINISCENSES. 

those who built the structure, which is the pride 
of all 

The laity, and the new ranks of the ministry, 
have too little thought of the hardships of the 
early pioneers, in laying the foundations ot our 
church, which now reach around the world. It 
is not too much, perhaps, to say, that they have 
not been, and will not be, in time to come, suf- 
ficiently appreciated. Their toils and sufferings 
can never be properly told, by tongue or pen. 
They contended against the ignorance and pre- 
judice of early times ; they fought wild beasts, 
and sometimes, wilder men, and stopped not at 
floods, or winter's fiercest storms; they often 
left their loved ones suffering and sick, at their 
departure, and found them dead, on their re- 
turn — all, that they might spread a ''Christianity 
in earnest" over the world. We, of to-day, 
build on the foundations which they laid, and 
cultivate fields which they cleared. We need a 
broader, deeper sympathy with the few lingering 
heroes and heroines, who made the present 
favorable condition of the church possible to us. 

The pioneers were not a weak class of men, 
whose power lay in a fanaticism, which impelled 
them to work and suffer for a religious idea. 
Many of them were masters of science, literature, 



INTRODUCTION. IS- 

and theology. Their lessons were, often, not 
learned in academic halls and universities, but 
in the saddle. They studied Latin, and mastered 
Greek, and became scholars, not with " ponies," 
but on the horse, as they went from place to 
place. 

These men were not unfeeling, or unrefined ; 
none loved home, its society and comforts more 
than they. Sad wives and weeping children, as 
they bid them "good bye," and watched them 
pass out of sight, as they started on their long, 
and, often, dangerous journeys, sent a pain to 
their hearts, which none could feel more sensibly. 
The}^ did not unfeelingly abandon home, and 
loved ones^ but committing them to Him who- 
cares for all, yielded to an impelling force com- 
ing out of the divine words "GO, preacli my 



This volume of Reminiscences is another 
light which opens up to us the past. The 
general outline of the history of the last quarter 
of a century, we, of mature years, of course, 
know. But how much of the minutia, connected 
with establishing the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in Kansas, and the early political history of the 
State, we never knew, or else have forgotten ! 
Much of it is brought before us here. And it is 



14 REMINISCENSES. 

hard to realize that this, now, wonderful State, 
so filled with churches, and earnest church 
people, is the same that is described in this 
volume of Reminiscences of twentj-live years 
ago. 

Father Shaw, tlie author of these Reminis- 
cences, was a very untiring worker in planting 
Methodism in Kansas. He has known all its 
history, and been deeply interested in all its 
movements. Although now feeble by the 
" burden ot years," he is in perfect sympathy 
with all the work of the church, and concerned 
in the wonderful growth of the State. Many 
ministers, after giving their lives to the work of 
the church, sit down into inactivity and uncon- 
cern. And if any one has a right to do so, that 
right belongs to Rev. James Shaw. But he does 
not so act^ While he, because of his age and 
bad health, rarely preaches, he remembers God's 
work in other ways. His means are limited, 
yet his donations to the various enterprises of 
the church are large. 

His book should, and w^ill have, a large sale. 

A. H. Tevis. 

Atchison, Kansas, December 24, 1886. 



REMINISCENSES 



oi^ 



Pioneer Life. 



CHAPTER I. 

LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 

Tlie hardest field of labor during my ministry 
was the Lake Superior District. It embraced 
the whole of the upper peninsula of Michigan, 
to which I was appointed in 1852. The work 
was composed of two large Indian Missions, the 
Sault Ste. Marie's, near the Rapids, and the 
Ke wa-we-non baj^ with all the iron and copper 
mines scattered along the shore for a hundred 
miles, and back from the shore some forty or 
fifty miles in the dense forest. This district had 
to be traveled in the winter, on snow shoes, and 
in the summer by steamboats, and other small 



18 EEMINISCENSES. 

craft or canoes, and on foot troni one point to 
another, from ten to thirty miles distance, 
through a dense evergreen forest, tilled with 
mosquitoes, *'many ot which would weigh a 
pound." They would "light on the trees and 
bark '' as we passed along. 

At this time the Indian Missions required 
more attention than ever before, especially the 
Sault Ste, Marie. The whites were rapidly settling 
the country. Quite a village was being built at 
the Kapids. Traders were coming in, and they 
were wevy anxious to secure the trade ot the 
Indians in order to secure their furs, to obtain 
which, some of them would sell or give the 
natives whisky, and then rob thefH of their 
valuable merchandise. To accomplish their 
object, they wotild get the Indians away from 
the influence of the missionary by sending them 
into the forest to hunt and trap ; and they had 
so far succeeded as to lead my predecessor to 
think it advisable to discontinue the mission at 
the Sault, and toUowthem to their new camping 
ground, about thirty miles up the bay. This 
proved an unfavorable point. Game was not 
sufliciently abundant for their support. The 
water was so shallow that steamboats could not 
come near them, and there was no inducement 



LAKE SrPEKIOR DI^^TRICT. 19 

to labor, or desire civilization, consequently the}' 
were compelled to be absent the greater part ot 
the time in the forest hunting, trapping or fish- 
ing, leaving the missionarv and interpreter witli 
out a congregation to preach to, or children 
enough for a school. 

At my first quarterly meeting I liad bat a 
mere handful of women and children to preach 
to. I soon found one of the chiefs, and in con- 
sultation with liim I learned that about halfway 
between this point and the Sault, on the livei', 
deep water came so near the shore that bv build- 
ing a dock steamboats could stop and take wood, 
which the Indians could chop, and after the 
wood was taken off of the land it could be culti- 
vated for their support. 

After consulting with the chiefs and leading 
men of the band, and their having agreed to 
move to this point, providing we could pui-chase 
•the land, and after counseling with the mission- 
ary on the Canada side, brother McDougal, we 
purchased the desired land. We took up every 
fractional section that bordered on the river from 
Wayskeys Bay to Iriquois point, about six miles, 
bringing us to the lower end of the Ye-quam-a- 
naw Bay. Back ot this purchase was a large 
bodv of excellent farmino- land, covered with a 



20 REMINISCENSES. 

heavy growth of sugar maple, birch, pine, and 
hemlock timber. On this purchase we resolved 
to establish the Mission. This involved the 
building of a new mission house, several 
Indian houses, and a dock ; also the chopping 
and hauling of several hundred cords of wood ta 
the dock to supply steamboats during the sum- 
mer. The superintendence of all this work, in 
addition to the work of this District, so overtaxed 
my strength that at the close of the third year I 
went to conference with the purpose of asking a 
division ot the work ; and the appointment of a 
Presiding Elder for the mining district, and a 
superintendent to the Indian Missions. 

At the conference, at the first meeting with 
the Bishop, to economize men and money, he 
proposed to attach all the Indian missions in the 
lower Peninsula (some two or three,) to the Lake 
Superior District, and to make the Presiding 
Elder superintendent of the whole, and also mis- 
sionary to the Sault Ste. Marie's Mission. To- 
this plan, all the Presiding Elders positively 
objected ; but the Bishop was sure his plan waa 
right, and no argument could move him. I said 
to him, " then, of course, you will appoint a 
new Presiding Elder; I cannot do the work.'^ 
The next morning the conference passed a reso- 



LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 21 

lution requesting the general conference that 
would meet the coming spring, that in dividing 
the conference, the Indian Missions ot the lower 
Peninsula, be retained in the Michigan Confer- 
ence, and the Indian Missions of the upper 
Peninsula belong to the Detroit Conference. 

In fixing the appointments to the various 
circuits, stations and missions, no missionary 
was appointed to the Sault Ste. Marie Mission. 
A school teacher and an interpreter were ap- 
pointed. 

My plan was to have the teacher do the 
preaching. A single man was to be employed 
as teacher. In naming the districts and the 
presiding elders, when the Bishop came to the 
Lake Superior District, he announced '-^ James 
Shaw. Presiding Elder." I thought I had made 
suitable explanation, and although I saw my 
work double what it was before, and my physical 
strength half what it had been, and the means 
to work with greatly diminished, I resolved to 
make no further objections, but shoulder the 
burden, face the music, and come life or death, 
trusting in God, do the best I could. But I said 
to Dr. Durbin, the Missionary Secretary, after 
the adjournment of conference, "when I turn 
my face toward Lake Superior everything looks 



22 REMINISCENSES. 

dark." He replied, '' brother Shaw, joii must 
nerve yourself for the work." This I resolved 
to do, and instead of stopping to brood over the 
cost, to commence the ascent, however rough 
and rugged the way. But difficulties arose 
mountain high before me. First, the Govern- 
ment had been giving $1,400 a year to the Sault 
Mission, for educational purposes. The treaty 
having expired, this fountain from which to 
draw, had dried up, and there was no appropria- 
tion to furnish supplies for the Indians, and keep 
them at work at home, in supporting their fam- 
ilies, consequently they would have to leave the 
Mission and go into the forest to hunt and trap, 
and the Mission be comparatively broken up. 
This, w^e resolved, should not be, under our ad- 
ministration. 

Secondly, w^e were required to employ a 
single man as teacher, with a single man's salary, 
with which to board and meet other expenses. 
The single man failed to come, and we had to 
employ a member of the conference with a wife 
and tw^o children, on a single man's salary, and 
be responsible for his support. Truly, this was 
being required to "make brick without either 
clay or straw." To save a complete failure, and 
the breaking up of the Mission, I had to pur- 



LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 23 

chase, on mj own responsibility, a large bill of 
supplies and run the risk of reimbursing myself 
in the operation. 

The previous year, a cyclone passed through 
our village, and leveled our school house to the 
ground, and took off the roof of every Indian 
house in the village, leaving us without a place 
for school or preaching, except as we took it 
into the mission house. This we did until we 
could build a church w^hich could serve for school 
purposes. 

As the Indians had abandoned the Mission 
at the Little Rapids, two miles below the Sault 
where buildings had been erected for educational 
purposes, and improvements made on Govern- 
ment lands, with Government appropriation, the 
conference instructed me to sell what interests 
we had in the farm, and appropriate the proceeds 
to the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Mission. 
Having an opportunity, I did so, and contracted 
with a merchant to build a church at our Mission. 
The church was up, but not finished, when I 
ordered supplies for the w^inter. 

I went directly from conference to the Mis- 
sion, on reaching which I found things more 
discouraging than I had anticipated. The man 
who had bought the farm had failed to meet the 



24 EEMINISCENSES. 

obligation promptly ; the merchant to whom the 
Mission was in debt, wanted his money ; and as 
the purchaser of the farm had left for Detroit, it 
was necessary for me to go there too, and settle 
the matter if possible. It was late in the fall, 
and the last boats for the season were up the 
lake. If I went to Detroit I could not return 
until spring. I concluded to take my family 
with me, and leave them there for the balance 
of the year. As ice had already formed along 
the shore, and fearing the boats might pass in 
the night, or fail to stop at oar dock, I concluded 
to go to the Sault, where I could not fail to have 
transportation, and leave tlie Mission in the 
hands of the teacher and farmer for the winter. 
We had a pleasant trip to Detroit, and spent the 
winter in arranging for and settling up the affairs 
for the Mission, and preparing for our early 
return in the spring. We took the first boat for 
the upper lakes, and after a somewhat rough 
passage, landed safely at the Sault, and found 
the Mission in good condition, by the supplies we 
had forwarded. The Indians had been kept 
Iiome and employed. The school was in a pros- 
perous condition, and the church being built up 
and established. Brother Holt, the missionary, 
was succeding well, both as preacher and teacher. 



LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 25 

Brother Curtis, who had charge of the dock and 
.'Supplies, had carried tilings safel}^ through the 
•winter, and all things seemed prosperous and 
^encouraging. After spending a few days at the 
Mission, we proceeded to visit that part of our 
•district on the Ke-wa we-noii Bay, and at the 
•different mining points. 

We took passage on a steamboat that was 
agoing up the bay, to the mouth of the Portage 
River, some twelve miles from the Mission. To 
(reach this, we had to w^alk about twenty miles 
on a very rough and crooked shore, or trust to 
luck to get a passage on some small boat or 
canoe. Fortunately, on reaching the mouth of 
the Portage Kiver, we met a sail boat coming 
^own the river with six miners, bound for the 
Catholic Mission, on the opposite side of the bay 
from our Mission, where their families were 
residing, while they were laboring in the mines. 
We engaged passage. This was late in the 
afternoon, the sun only about an hour high. We 
-expected to reach the Mission early in the even- 
ing, but as the sun went down the wind went 
with it, and we were left not a mile on our jour- 
ney, without a breath of wind to raise a ripple 
•on the water. Here our difficulties commenced. 
'The boat was the largest size of small boats, and 



26 REMINISCENSES. 

they had no oars but the short oars for small 
boats, and there were no row locks for the oars. 
I soon discovered that the men knew nothing^ 
about managing a boat and did not know what 
to do. Fortunately they liad a rope on board 
which I cut in pieces, and tied three on each- 
side of the boat for row-locks, and set the six 
men to rowing, while I seated myself in the 
stern with an oar to guide. Thus rigged, we- 
proceeded on our journey. The sun was now 
down, but fortunately we had a good moon. 
Our progress was very slow, as our oars were- 
so small. It was like dipping the ocean with 
a teaspoon. The trip was a liazardous one, as 
the shore was rough and rock3\ A wind irom 
the bay would have wrecked us on the rocks. 
Our only hope was to press on as best we could,, 
trusting in Providence. About midnight, all 
appearances being favorable, we went ashore,, 
built a fire, and alter warming ourselves, pro- 
ceeded on our way. Just at dayliglit we reached 
the Catholic Mission, and found them still asleep. 
But we aroused them, and the priest soon had 
us a good cup of coffee and a bountiful breakfast, 
of which we paitook with a relish. We then 
hired an Indian to take us across the bay to our 
Mission. I found rlie Mission in a prosperous- 



LAKE SUPEKIOR DISTRICT. 2T 

condition. We spent the Sabbath witli thera^ 
and had lovefeast in the morning. At half past 
ten o'clock we preached, and administered the 
Lord's supper at the close. It was truly inter- 
esting to worship with these dusky sons of the 
forest. They were simple and frank in the love 
feast, and attentive and interested during preach- 
ing, solemn, yet joyful at the sacrament. AVe 
trust the services were profitable. Learning that 
some of the Indians were going to the Portage 
Lake mines, in birch bark canoes, we engaged 
passage with them. 

The Missions raise, annually, large quantities- 
of vegetables of various kinds, and the Indians 
follow their example, not only for their own use, 
but to sell to the miners. Here, too, in the 
marshes, cranberries grow very abundantly in 
their native state, and the hills and valleys in 
many places are covered with whortleberries- 
and blueberries. They grow on low bushes and 
make the country look literally black. The red 
raspberry grows so abundantly here that they 
have become an article of commerce. On Sugar 
Island, twelve miles below the Sault Ste. Marie, 
one man has been engaged several seasons man- 
ufacturing raspberry jam. Employing the steam- 
boats to deliver him jars and sugar, and the 



28 REMINISCENSES. 

Indians to gather the berries, he has prepared 
and sold from one to seven tons annually of this 
delicious article. The Indians also make great 
use of the berries during their season. White 
fish and trout are very abundant in the lake and 
in small streams v^hich empty therein, and they 
are of the very best quality. God has wonder- 
fully and bountifully provided, in every part of 
the habitable earth, supplies for his dependent 
creatures. 

In one of the Indian canoes, made alone of 
birch bark, we took passage to our next appoint- 
ment. When we were about half way on our 
trip, one of the canoes began to leak. The In- 
dians at once proceeded to remedy the defect 
very skillfully. They ran their canoes ashore, 
and unloading the defective one, turned it over, 
and finding the leak, with a gum prepared from 
the balsam tree, they proceeded to stop it by 
spreading the gum along and over the crack. 
They melted this with a small torch, thus filling 
the leak and causing it to adhere to the boat. 
This soon hardened, making a complete repair. 
Placing the canoe again in the water, they re- 
loaded it and we proceeded on our journey, and 
reached our destination without further trouble. 
This was near the Portage Lake mines. They 



LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 2^ 

are situated on Portage lake, about twelve miles- 
Irom the mouth of the river of the same name. 
The copper mines in this locality were then 
considered very profitable, and employed a large 
number of men. There we had a Mission for t he- 
miners. Brother L. W. Earl was the preacher. 
At the Houghton mines we had quite a respect- 
able society of Cornish miners who, in their 
religious exercises, would often speak ot how 
they would do ''at 'ome." They were faithful, 
and true to Methodism. 

Our next appointment was at the Cliff mines,.. 
three miles from the shore of Lake Superior. 
To reach this, we had either to travel some 
twelve miles in small boats, and then go over a 
vast, mountainous wilderness about thirty or 
forty miles on foot, following a dim trail, or else 
cross the Portage to the lake shore, and then 
down the shore to Eagle River. We chose the 
former, and hired two Indians to take us up by 
small boats to the head of Portage River, This 
brought us within one mile of Lake Superior, 
which we could reach by carrying our luggage 
over a high elevation of land. Over this, the- 
Indians in their travels would carry their birch 
bark canoes and other luggage. The whole 
route had to be made by rowing up stream andi 



■30 KEMINISCENSEiS. 

through small lakes. After we. had made about 
fifteen miles, the water became visibly less, the 
lakes snialler and the river narrower, until it 
w^as barely sutticient to permit our boat to pass. 
We reached this point near night. Leaving our 
Indians to return, we took our baggage in hand 
and addressed ourselves to the task of crossing 
the Portage. On reaching the lake shore, we 
found a house and two German families living 
here,* and not another house in twenty miles. I 
engaged lodging with them for the night, and 
employevi the men to take me, on the next day, 
by boat to Eagle Kiver, some twenty-five miles. 
They were very inquisitive as to who I was, and 
what was my business. I told them that I was 
a Missionary, ana was visiting the missions at 
the different mines. 1 soon learned that they 
were Catholics, but had not seen a priest for 
several years. One of the women had a small 
child, she was very much troubled about, because 
«he had not been to confession, or had her child 
baptized. She wanted to confess to me and have 
me baptize her child. I told her 1 would baptize 
her child, but could not receive confession from 
her. She must confess to God and trust in 
'Christ for pardon. This seemed to relieve her, 
:and she was greatly comforted in having her 



LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 31 

oliild baptized. The morning was pleasant, and 
having a fair breeze, we hoped to reach Eagle 
River before noon. But when we had got about 
half way, the wind changed and came directly 
from the lake, and we were obliged to put to 
shore and wait tor the wind either to go down, 
or change before we could proceed. We had 
neglected to bring any provisions for the trip, 
expecting to make it in halt a day. How long 
we would be kept here we could not tell. .Hav- 
ing come to the foot of the mountain, 1 resolved 
to try to cross it, and leave my trunk with the 
the men to bring, when the wind would permit. 

When we reached Eagle River, we were 
pretty well used up. When we had rested awhile 
the men came up with our trunk and we pro- 
ceeded to the mines, where We received a cordial 
welcome by the Missionary and his family. On 
examination we found each foot a solid blister, 
and our strength pretty nearly exhausted, but 
after suitable refreshments and resting a few 
days, we w^ere so far recruited as to buckle on the 
armor afresh and proceed on our journey. The 
reader may ask, "Were you not discouraged ? " 
Not a bit. The consciousness that I was in 
the Master's work, and my suffering nothing, 
compared with what He had suffered for me, 



32 REMINISCENSES. 

more than reconciled me to my calling. We* 
next had to visit Ontonagan, some forty miles 
up the lake. This we did by steamboat. 

Spending the Sabbath with them, we re- 
turned to Copper Harbor, another station, and 
then to Carp River. Back some twelve miles are- 
the great iron mountains of this region. They 
are reached by a railroad, on which the ore is- 
brought to the siiore. Marquette is quite a- 
pleasant village. They were building a church 
there, and we spent the Sabbath with them. 
Tliis completed our first round of visitation. 
Our meetings were all seasons ot refreshment 
and comfort. The charges were all prosperous 
and encouraging ; the missionary and family in 
good health and spirits, and prosecuting their 
work vigorously and successfully. AVe now 
proceeded to the Missicm at the Sault to spend a 
few weeks with them. 

This is a fair sample of the work to be done^ 
and hardships to be endured on this district. 
But the Lord mercifully sustained me, so that I 
was able to get through the year. At the close 
of my last round, I was so prostrated that it 
was with difRculty that I could settle up the- 
affairs of the Mission and *get things ready for 
conference. This being done, I proceeded afe 



LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT 33 

once to Detroit, where I was confined to my 
room for several days. I went from a sick bed 
to conference, which met this year at Adrian, 
Mich. The bretliren of the conference greatly 
sympathized with me in my position, and kindly 
voted me a superannated relation. 

At the close of the conference I returned to 
Detroit to recuperate. Being freed from the re- 
sponsibility and anxiety of the district, and 
enjoying a season of rest in the society of friends, 
my health soon began to improve, and in a short 
time I had gained so much strength as to begin 
to feel like buckling on the armor afresh and 
going into the active service. The country had 
been for some time greatly agitated on account 
of the passing of the Kansas and Nebraska bill, 
removing what was called the Missouri com- 
promise. Kansas seemed to be the bone of 
contention between freedom and slavery. 

I was uncompromisingly opposed to slavery. 
I held that the Missouri compromise was a fraud 
and a disgrace to humanity, as well as contrary 
to the laws of God, and the quicker it was an- 
nihilated the better. And I claimed, also, that 
policy pleaded for its removal ; that all we 
wanted was an "open field and a fair fight" and 
I feared not the result. God was on the side of 



34 KEMINISCENSES. 

freedom, and with him on our side, no matter 
how strong, or how many were against us, we 
had a decided majority. The excitement in 
Kansas greatly interested me. I had been in 
the General Conference of 1S4S, when it re- 
pudiated the proposed plan ot dividing the great 
Methodist Episcopal Church into North and 
South. I was on the Committee on Boundaries 
that recommended the organization of Kansas 
and Nebraska into a conference, holding that 
the Methodist Episcopal Church was. not confined 
by lines, but that the "world was her parish," and 
every open door invited her entrance. It seemed 
to me that the door w^as opened wide to enter 
Kansas, and being at liberty this year, 1 resolved 
to visit that State and make a personal examin- 
ation of matters and things. 



CHAPTER 11. 



FROM 1856 TO 1S58. 

The Kansas and Nebraska Conference w^as 
organized in Lawrence, October 23, 1856, by 
Bishop Baker. Methodism in Kansas was not 
inaugurated by general awakenings and conver- 



FROM 1856 TO 1858. 35 

sions, but b}^ its members emigrating from dif- 
ferent parts ot the country, and settling in dif- 
ferent places, thus becoming the foundation ot 
future church organizations. To these, as ever 
lias been the economy of the church, missiona- 
ries were sent, who, after the example of their 
illustrious leader, and in the spirit ot their Di- 
vine Mastei', encountered the hardships of a 
new and sparsely settled country, braved the 
■dangers ot a border ruffian war, and with the 
love of souls at heart, and the glory ot God in 
view, went out, guided by the great Sheplierd, 
to seek and gather up these destitute sheep. 
Thus these settlers became the nucleus around 
which their neighbors gathered. To them the 
word of God was preached, and societies formed, 
by which, in some instances, cliurches were 
erected. In many places these have grown 
to be large and inliuential bodies, sending forth 
a saving, healthful iniiuence overall these lands. 
Witii all these points a history is connected 
wdiich cannot fail to interest and prodt all true 
lovers of our church. 

To these reminiscences I desire to call the 
reader's attention in this volume. To this work 
I direct my thoughts, not without some hesita- 
tion ; not but that there is abundant material, 



36 REMINISCENSES. 

but for lack of ability to make such selections as 
shall be most interesting and profitable. 

I must confine myself to such places and in- 
cidents as come under my own observations. 
First, Leavenworth. Here my acquaintance with 
Kansas Methodism commenced, and under pe- 
culiar circumstances. It was some time in 
March, 1857, while the whole territory w^as con- 
vulsed with excitement over the Lecompton 
Constitution, and not long after the Free State 
men of Leavenworth had been driven by the 
border ruffian army on to the steamboats and 
carried down the river. But they had returned 
and again engaged in business; or, as one of 
them remarked to me, " They had fought, bled, 
and run away, and had come back to run some 
other day." I reached Leavenworth almost 
penniless, having had my watch, pocket-book^ 
valuable papers, and all my money, except a few 
shillings, stolen from m}^ state room in St. Louis. 
But, having "put my hand to the plough," and 
paid my passage, I resolved to press on, trusting 
in Providence. 

On n earing Leavenw^orth, I inquired of a 
passenger on board, who lived in the city, for 
some Methodist. He directed me to Joseph 
Evans. When I landed on the shore, though 



FROM 1856 TO 1858. 37 

about 12 o'clock at night, I directed my way to 
his house, awoke him from his sleep, and told 
him who I was. He invited me in, entertained 
me for a few days, and loaned me money to 
prosecute my journey. This was true Methodist, 
Christian kindness. 

I met here Wm. Butt, who was the preacher 
for this place, Wyandotte and Quindaro. He 
related to me some of the incidents of the pre- 
vious year. When the border ruffian army 
came into the city, he was at work in his stable. 
Tw^o of them came to his stable to press his 
horses, but he resisted, w^ith his pitchfork, and 
drove them away ; but they came back with re- 
inforcements, and took hishorses,but he^scaped-, 
seeking refuge at the Fort. By his invitation, 
I preached for him on Sunday. The society was 
then small, and worshipped in a small box house, 
located, I should think, about half way from 
where the present market house stands, and the 
river. The congregation was not large, but 
respectable and attentive. 

I here made the acquaintance of Brother and 
Sister McCracken. Brother McC. was not then 
a member of the church, but was a moral, 
generous, and noble hearted man, whose house 
was ever a home for the heralds of the cross. 



6b REMINISCENSES. 

He was afterwards happily converted to Gody 
joined the cliiirch, lived a consistent Christian 
lite, and soon the Lord took him home to glory. 

I was soon introduced to Sister Currier, who 
was then a pious and devoted Christian. She 
invited me to her house, and though her husband 
was not a member of the church, he was friendly, 
sympathetic and liberal. He always made the 
people feel at home in his house. With gratitude, 
I still remember how his words thrilled my 
heart, when his wife introduced me, and with a 
liearty shake of the hand he exclaimed, " Wel- 
come to my house! " 

Brother Evans still lives to bless the church; 
and nobly has he borne her burdens, and become 
almost a proverb of liberality and Christian 
benevolence. I once heard a Presiding Elder 
say, that Uncle Joe, as he was familiarly called, 
had grown rich by giving to the church. May 
he long live, with his hopeful spirit and cheerful 
countenance, to shout on the hosts of Methodism 
to victor}^ and glory. 

A short time before this a company had laid 
out a town and commenced to build up Atchison. 
They had no preaching. A preacher (not a 
Methodist) had once visited this town, and the 
rabble caught him, put him on a raft, and sent 



FROM 1856 TO 1858. 39 

him down the river. Six miles above Atchison, 
a compaii}^ had laid out and commenced to build 
the town of Doniphan. Here one ot our preach- 
ers, A. L. Downey, in lieeing from the border 
ruffians, took refuge with a colonel of their 
army, and under his protection had preached 
once or twice. 

This colonel was a lawyer of good ability, 
kind and noble hearted, but then engaged in a 
bad cause. I made his acquaintance on my first 
visit to Kansas, and found him intelligent, frank 
and friendly, but somewhat intemperate ; but 
when afterwards the truth of God reached Ins 
heart, he vras too honest to deny its claims, and 
with a broken and child-like spirit he sought and 
found tlie "pearl of great price." He joined 
the M. E. Church, and has since been a leading, 
active, and useful member thereof in Troy. 

Three miles above Doniphan, a Free State 
Company had stuck their stakes for a town, and 
called it Geary City. They were anxious for a 
preacher who would build a school house, teach 
their children, and preach for them, and offered 
me an interest in their town if I would engage 
with them. I was so favorably impressed with 
Kansas as to resolve to make it my future home; 



40 reminiscp:nses. 

so I made but a short stay, and returned to De- 
troit iininediatel}^ for my familj. 

I shall record here, to the glory of God, His 
goodness in providing for my wants in my state 
of destitution, so that I did not suffer in the least, 
though I had been robbed ot my money 
and valuables. lie raised me up friends in 
time of need. Not only did Brother Evans 
loan me money, but, on the boat going dc^wn the 
river, a stranger, but a brother Methodist, learn- 
ing my situation, before leaving the boat handed 
me a five-dollar gold piece, saying, "You maj^ 
want this before you get home ; if you can ever 
return it, well; and if not, just as well." 

I reached home in safet}" ; about the first of 
April, 1857, I landed again in Leavenworth with 
my family. I purchased a team and outfit, and 
started for Geary City. We stayed the first 
night with John Rust, lie is now a member of 
the church, and his house is a home for tlie 
preachers. The second day, which was Satur- 
day, we camped about noon on Independence 
Creek. A snow storm coming up, we found 
shelter for the night, and over Sunday at the 
house of Daniel Miller. By invitation, we tried to 
preach on Sunday. His house was well filled, and 
we trust that good was done. Some who listened 



FKOM 1856 TO 1S5S. 41 

tto us tliatday seemed to be deeply interested for 
itheir soul's salvation. I tried to enforce the 
Kjuestion, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou 
•me?" by showing our obligations to love Christ, 
and the evidence we were to have, and give, of 
that love. 

At this meeting two young men vrere present, 
irom Pennsylvania, who were living in a claim 
shanty not far off — one a Methodist, and the 
other a Baptist. Brother James Lun, the Meth- 
=odist, soon after settled in Leavenworth, became 
-a, leading official member of the church, and the 
leading architect and builder ot the city ; but 
his place in church and city is now occupied by 
others, and he has found his home in heaven. 
The other is still living in Atchison, and often 
refers to that lirst meeting with seeming interest 
.and pleasure. 

Above Geary City several towns had been 
commenced, viz.: Palermo, Wathena, Columbus 
City, Iowa Point, White Cloud, Troy and High- 
land. In all this territory, from Wyandotte to 
White Cloud, we had, as I now recollect, about 
three and a quarter Methodist preachers : Butt, 
Bowman and Downey, with L. B. Dennis, as 
Presiding Elder, once a quarter. 

The second session of the Kansas and Ne- 



42 REMINISCENSES. 

braska Conference was being held in Nebraska. 
City, when I reached Kansas with my family, 
which was about four weeks alter my iirst visit. 
At this Conference the appointments were :. 
Leavenworth District — William Butt. P. E.; 
Leavenworth City, M. M. Haun; Wyandotte 
and Quindaro, R P. Duvall; White Cloud, A. 
L. Downey; and all between these points called, 
I believe, Columbus Mission, B. F Bowman. 
At Doniphan, a Brother Snow" had built a house,. 
and was keeping boarders while I was after my 
family. At his house I commenced preaching. 

At Geary City, 1 built a tent and begun 
preaching in a new hotel. Here, too. Brother 
Bowman came and preached. His subject was, 
" The office and agency of the Holy Spirit in 
man's conversion, and the danger of grieving its 
influence." This was the first sermon I had 
heard in Kansas. Soon after this Brother Butt 
wanted me to supply Atchison and Monrovia, 
and I consented to do so. 

Circumstances by this time had clianged con- 
siderably. In Atchison, a Free State Company, 
composed of Pumeroy, McBratney, Swift and 
Adams, had bought an interest in the town^ 
established a paper, and called for a preacher. 
They offered Brother Butt a lot if he would 



FROM 1856 TO 1858. 43 

move into town and build a house, which he 
consented to do, and immediately gave out my 
appointment for the next Sabbath. On Sunday 
morning I preached the first Methodist sermon, 
and perhaps the first sermon ever preached in 
Atchison. We met in a little store building, 
on the corner of Commercial and Third streets, 
where the new hotel now stands. My first con- 
gregation was composed of various materials, 
some genteel in dress and appearance, with a 
sprinkling of butter-nut and indifference; some 
were in the house, and some outside. One speci- 
men of Senator Ingalls's "Catfish Aristocracy," 
with cadaverous looks and sunburnt face, leaning 
over a stump near the house, when I was about 
half-way through, exclaimed with an oath, ''He's 
an abolitionist," and started for the river. 

The next Saturday we started for Monrovia. 
We reached a house where Lancaster now stands, 
and after inquiring, 'started in the direction as 
best we could, but, unfortunately taking the 
wrong road, brought up at East Grasshopper. 
After inquiring again, we tacked to the south, 
and traveling till near sundown, found the place 
where the town was to be. Seeing a house 
across the creek, we drove up to it, and were 
met by a small man with but one eye, who, after 



44 KEMINISCENSES. 

learning who we were, gave us a hearty welcome. 
This was Mr. Snyder, a member of the Evangel- 
ical Lutheran Church, a noble Christian, whose 
heart and house were ever open to all true 
Christians. 

Under this hospitable roof we found shelter 
for the night, and preached Sunday morning 
under the shade of a tree on the banks of 
Stranger Creek. Here we met Hon. S. Hippie, 
who was then exploring to find a site for a steam 
mill. J. H. Talbot, who has since been Register 
of Deeds for Atchison County, and now a leading 
land agent of the city, was present at that 
meeting. Brother Snyder greatly deceives his 
first appearance, for though not commanding in 
size or appearance, he is a man of marked ability, 
and has figured much in Kansas politics. His 
voice has always been lifted in favor of purity, 
and with scathing rebuke to all corruption. We 
continued service here every other Sabbath dur- 
ing the summer, but confined ourselves exclu- 
sively to Atchison during the fall and winter. 

A somewhat exciting scene occurred here. 

It had been announced that General Lane would 

lecture here on politics, at which some of the 

rabble in town, headed by a burly blacksmith and 

: some from the Missouri bottoms, resolved that 



FROM 1856 TO 1858. 45^ 

he should not lecture. So they assembled with 
various weapons to defend the honor of their 
cause, but as Lane did not appear (except in 
disguise), full of whisk}^ and boiling over with 
rage, they seized Judge Adams, at whose invi- 
tation Lane had come, and dragged him through 
the streets, flourishing a butcher knife over his 
head, while the rabble cried, " Kill him I kill 
him!" The Judge's wife, hearing what was 
going on, took a loaded revolver in her hand^ 
and with true Spartan bravery, hastened to de- 
fend her husband. The leader of the mob hear- 
ing of this, exclaimed, "She will shoot," and 
sloped out of sight, and the mob dispersed. 

It is proper to state that the respectable 
citizens, though many of them differing from 
Lane in politics, did not countenance these pro- 
ceedings. I was in town, and preached the next 
day. Judge Adams was present, looking as 
mild and serene as though nothing had happened. 
During this summer, Brother O. F. Short, an 
exhorter in our church, moved into town, pur- 
chased the paper, and continued its publication.- 

Sometime in January, 1858, we organized 
the first class in the M. E. Church in Atchison, 
only two of whom had been members of the 
Methodist Church before; the rest were from other- 



46 REMINISCENSES. 

churches, who joined for the sake of organiza- 
tion, with the understanding that they would 

join their respective churches when opportunity 
should present itself. It has been the policy of 
the preachers and the church, from the lirst, to 
build churches and parsonages as soon as pos- 
sible. If they could not build as large as they 
wished, or with as good material as in the older 
States, they would do the best they could in 
humble style and of less costly material ; and 
we think they acted wisely in so doing. Those 
who have since come in have entered into their 
labors, and reaped the fruits of others sowing. 

This was true of Lawrence. Their first church 
was of a very ordinary character ; but it was the 
best they could do, and they had to send an 

^ agent abroad tor that, for I met their agent in 
Detroit, Mich., and introduced him to our mem- 
bers, and assisted him to make collections before 
I ever thought of coming to Kansas. But they 
succeeded, built their church, such as it was, 
and it answered their purpose then. But their 
strength has increased, and they now occupy a 

much finer building. 

So it was in Atchison. Our first society was 
very small, witli but little Methodism in it. Our 
first church was unfavorablv located, but it was 



FKOM 1856 TO 1858. 47 

the best we could do. It was not large, but it 
.answered our purpose then, and though the little 
one has not literally become a thousand, the 
society has become numerous and strong, and 
the present building has taken the place of the 
Urst, and the glory ot the latter house far exceeds 
the glory of the former. 

During the winter a subscription was circu- 
lated to build the first church. Mr. McBratney 
subscribed $500 ; Short, $500, and Pomeroy, 
$500, on the consideration that it should be 
located at a certain place — with several smaller 
subscriptions, amounting in all to $2,000. In 
this condition we left Atchison for Conference, 
which was to meet in Topeka. 

This was the third session of our Conference. 
J3ishop Janes presided. There were many in- 
'Cidents connected with the Conference. There 
were present, L. B. Dennis, with his white head, 
as active and sprightly as a boy ; there was W. 
H. Goode, from Nebraska, with liis sage coun- 
tenance and venerable address ; John M. Chiv- 
ington, big enough and strong enough, in ap- 
pearance, to grapple with a bear ; Father Still, 
the oldest member of the Conference, yet full of 
zeal and fire. Ira Blackford figured considerably 
in the doings of the Conference. He has since 



48 kemiin'iscenses. 

located, joined the Coiigregationalists, and the- 
last we heard ot him he had left the country for 
parts unknown. 

Brother J. Dennison, modest, grave, and 
dignified, was there to counsel and direct. Love- 
joj, with his snap and bite, was there, but he 
had his hands full with a Brother Campbell, who 
had preferred charges against him. He has 
since transferred east, moved back to Kansas, 
located, and finally joined the Free Methodists, 
where he has plenty of elbow room. At this- 
Conference seven new members were added by 
transfer, viz : N. Taylor, H. 11. Moore, G. W. 
Paddock, C. Graham and James Shaw. 

At the Conference much important business 
was transacted. The plan for Baldwin City 
and Baker University was adopted, and Brother 
Butt was made its first agent ; N. Taylor 
was appointed to the Ottumwa charge, and 
L. B. Dennis to the Lawrence District; H. 
Still to the Manhattan District ; James Shaw to* 
the Leavenw^orth District. H. D. Fisher was- 
transferred from the Pittsburg Conference and 
stationed at Leavenw^orth. J. F. Collins was- 
appointed to Atchison and Doniphan, and B. F. 
Bowman to Oskaloosa. Brother Munhall went 
to Columbus : C. Graham to White Cloud ; H. 



SECOND YEAK IN KANSAS. 49 

L. DoAvney to Grasshopper Falls ; Lovejoj to 
Sumner, and J. S. Griffin to Indianola. 
This began my second year in Kansas. 



CHAPTER III. 



SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 

At the third session of the Kansas and Ne- 
braska Conference, held at Topeka, April 15, 
1858, Bishop Janes preached on the subject of 
lioliness, and we trust with a salutary influence 
on the minds and hearts of the preachers, who 
went to their w^ork with renewed consecration to 
God and tlie work of the ministry. For my- 
self, I felt like girding on the armor afresh 
and going forth with renewed vigor to battle 
against evil, and gather new trophies to the cause 
of the Master. And I was encouraged to this 
when I looked around me and estimated the 
noble band of laborers with whom I w^as as- 
sociated. 

At Leavenworth, though there had not been 
any marked revival during the past year, there 
had been a gradual increase ot wealth in the 
church, partly by immigration, and partly by 
those that had been gathered up and into the 



50 REMINISCENSES. 

church from the city, so that the little box house 
was found to be too small for them, and tliey 
were obliged to rent a hall. Several prominent 
members had moved in durino^ the year— Weaver, 
Roberts, Landers, James, Lnn, Fairchild, and 
others, whose names are gone from my memory; 
but their countenances and kindnesses still re- 
main. Many of these ai-e still in the city doing 
p'ood work for the cause of Christ, while others 
have finished up their work and gone to heaven. 

At the commencement of this year the society 
could hardly be said to be well organized, so 
lately had they been brought together. Such 
was their condition when Brother Fisher landed 
among them that it is not to be wondered at that 
for the moment he was discouraged, and his 
hands hung down, and he literally wept, which 
is not very hard for him to do. He had come 
from an old and well settled country, a sweeping 
revival of religion, fine churches, some just 
finished; and when he looked over this valley, 
he was ready to say, ''Can these dry bones live?" 
But in the name of his Master he went to work, 
the spirit breathed, and it was soon seen that 
there was life among the bones. They came 
together, they rallied around their preacher, gave 



SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 51 

iiim a good Christian welcome, and all said we 
must have a church. 

Measures were at once set on foot to procure 
a lot, and raise lunds for this purpose. So when 
I met them, at their first quarterly meeting, botli 
preacher and members were greatly encouraged, 
and we had a refreshing season, and a new 
impetus was given to the enterprise of churcli 
building. Judicously they planned, vigorously 
they prosecuted; the materials were gathered 
together, the loundation was laid, the walls be- 
gan to rise, and general prosperity seemed {<• 
visit them. Business in the city was increasing ; 
the border rutfian wave of persecution had spent 
its force and rolled past ; the dark demon ot' pn;- 
•slavery had lost its power and seenied asiiamed 
to show its ugly face, but had sneaked across the 
river, where only he dared to howl. The light, 
vigor and prosperity of freedom was spreading 
and leavening the whole city — the leaven of 
righteousness was working in the entiie church, 
and throughout the town. 

This was the state of things when I visited 
them tor their second quarterly meeting. [ 
brought with me, on this occasion. Brother Jonas 
Dodge. On our way we passed through Doni- 
phan and Atchison. Night overtaking us about 



52 reminiscejvses. 

nine miles from Leavenworth, we inquired for 
Jacob Eiler. A man informed us that he lived 
about one mile from there, right towards the 
moon. The full moon was just rising. Following 
his direction, we were soon at his door, and 
tound a good Christian welcome. After an ex- 
cellent supper, a pleasant evening chat, and a 
heavenly communion around the family altar, 
w^e retired to rest. 

Brother Dodge w^as enthusiastically enrapt- 
ured with Kansas, and this was one of Kansas'& 
lovely autumn nights. The zephyrs were mildly 
moving the tall corn at the back of the house; 
the grass in front, and the honeysuckle that 
climbed over the door were gently waving, and 
all nature seenjed to wear a smiling face. After 
lying in bed some time. Brother Dodge exclaimed, 
''I cannot sleep amid such heavenly influences ; 
let me up and view beautiful Kansas by moon- 
light! *' He got up, walked out of doors, gazed 
around him, and so full was his heart with 
rapture that language failed him to express his 
admiration of the wonderful work of God. He 
finally returned, and rested the remainder of the 
night. 

The next morning we drove into Leavenworth. 
Here we met, for the first time. Prof, (now Dr.) 



SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 53 

W. K Davis, from McKendree College, on his 
first visit, through an invitation from the trustees 
of Baker University, to take charge of that new 
-enterprise. Thus we had a strong force for our 
quarterly meeting, so that the Presiding Elder 
had but little to do but to fill up the niches or 
"chuck the wheels" of the gospel car as it was 
moved by these three yokefellows. Recollection 
still pleasingly lingers, but language fails to 
■describe the pleasure of that day — suffice it to 
say, we had a feast of fat things. 

In the atternoon we all attended the dedica- 
tion of the German M. E. Church. It was a 
time of great refreshing. All hearts seemed 
glad. I recollect Brother Dodge expressed him- 
self somewhat in the following language: "I 
cannot conceive that God ever made Kansas for 
men to live in. It is altogether ' too good; he 
must have made it for angels, and we are only 
permitted to sojourn among them f(;r awhile, 
preparatory to our final dwelling place in heaven. ' ' 

On Monday morning we held our quarterly 
conference, and about noon Brother Dodge and 
I started for Baldwin City, in a buggy, to attend 
a camp meeting, and the meeting of the Board 
of Trustees of Baker University. Brother Fisher 
and Davis came with a Brother Johnson and 



54 REMINISCENSES. 

family. Brotljer Johnson was now a lawyer; 
he had been a Southern Methodist preacher, 
but had cast in his lot with us. He took a lively 
interest in Baker University, and tlie affairs of 
the church in general. When the war broke 
out he responded to the call of his country, 
raised a regiment, and as colonel led it into the 
field, where he fell at the head of his regiment, 
leading on a charge. Poor Johnson, brave and 
^•allant, fell in defense of his country, beloved 
and lamented by all the friends ot freedom who 
knew^ him. 

We reached Lawn-ence about dark, and being 
strangers, we inquired for L. B. Dennis, and 
learned that he lived about three miles in the 
country. AVe drove on through the dark, until 
we reached his house, and found him watching 
over a sick wife; but he gave us a hearty welcome. 

Next morning we started for Baldwin City, 
but we had some perplexity in finding the way. 
After becoming considerably fatigued, we passed 
a farm house and a farnjer-like man. As we 
approached him we said, ''Sir, can you tell us 
where we are?" He at once straightened himself 
up, and with much dignity said, " Yes, sir, you 
are on the great plain rising from the Missouri 
Kiver to the Rocky Mountains." This man 



SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 55 

proved to be Father Barriclaw, a substantial 
Methodist, and a firm friend and liberal siipj3orter 
of Baker University. 

This meeting of the trustees was a very im- 
portant one, and some were scMnewhat disap- 
pointed. We felt, on i-eaching here, that it was 
at least fourteen miles out of place, and think so 
yet; but it had been located here in considera- 
tion of the proposition of the Palmyra Town 
Association to give a military land "float," to 
cover the section ot land which lay adjoining 
their tow^n. Accordingly the trustees of the 
Educational Association had commenced, and 
nearly completed, the first stone building for the 
Prifnary Department. But, up to this time^ 
for some I'eason the Town Association had failed 
to procure the ''float,'' so that we had no title 
to the premises. But our agent informed us 
that a few days before he had visited the man 
holding the ''float," and obtained it by giving 
his own private note for $2,000, which we would 
have to raise. This took some of us aback. A 
motion was made to appoint a committee to 
receive propositions to remove the University to 
some other place. The committee was appointed, 
but after some of the friends of the measure had 



56 EEMINISCENSES. 

left, the matter was reconsidered and left where 
it was before. 

If tliis action did no other good it served to 
w^ake up the Town Association to pledge tlieni- 
selves to raise the money. AVliether they did 
it. or whether those connected with the Uni- 
versit3% and whose interest and reputation were 
-connected with its prosperity, had to assist in 
paying the debt, I do not know, but have heard 
it hinted in that direction. Suffice it to say, the 
debt was paid and the property secured. Prof, 
(now Dr.) Davis was elected President, and the 
University commenced a career of usetuhiess, 
and continued to prosper under the most adverse 
circumstances — war, famine and pestilence — and 
is to-day worthy of the confidence of the entire 
State, and the warmest sym])athy of every Meth- 
odist heart. About the interest of the cauip- 
meeting we can say notliing, for we know but 
little, as we had to leave on Saturday. Put wo 
left it in full blast. 

The brethren at Leavenworth were pressing- 
forward their enterprise in church building with 
commendable vigor. Brother Fislier was sent 
abroad to solicit aid during the winter, and met 
witli some success. .i3rother Dodge supplied his 
pulpit a part of the time, until a vacancy oc- 



SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 57 

cnn-cd at Lawrence, wlien lie was employed as 
their supply. There he labored for a time, with 
bis accustomed abilit}^ and success, and was 
winning glorious victories for Christ, when he 
sickened and suddenly died, leaving the savor 
of liis piety and virtue behind him, when he 
went, doubtless, to dwell forever with angels 
around the throne. 

inuring the time Brother Fisher was abroad 
soliciting aid, a circumstance occurred that had 
liked to have proved detrimental to the interest 
of the church. A "star" preacher appeared 
among them, and proposed to supply their 
pulpit. Many of the members were pleased with 
him, and the official board thought it fortunate 
tor them, and agreed to employ him, so tliat 
when 1 reached the third quarterly meeting I 

found it announced that the Rev. would 

preach at 11 o'clock on Sunday. T sent a mes- 
sage to him that I wished to see him at my 
room. He came, and after a short introduction 
and a few general remarks, I inquired of him 
where he had formerly labored. 

He said near Chicago, but said he, "I was 
teaching school and preaching in the neighbor- 
^lorhood." 



58 REMIXISCE^SES. 

I asked hifn. " Who was tlie preacher on the- 
char^e?" 

He replied, '' I don't know ; he did not conie- 
into my neighborhood.*' 

'^Who was the Presiding Elder ? " 

•' Well," said he, "I cannot say ; T never- 
saw him." 

'' Have you a certiticate i " 

*' No," said he, " I came oif in a hurry, and 
did not get one." 

•^ Well," said I, "have you your license? 
You are doubtless aware that we must have some 
evidence that you are a preacher." 

'* No," said he, ''I put my license in one of 
my books, and belore I lett I sold oif son)e of 
my books and, by mistake, the one that had mj 
license in, so that it went with the book." 

^'That certainly w^as a great misfortune," 
said I, *'but as you are announced to ])reach 
to-morrow, you will preach at 11 o'clock, and I 
will occupy the evening," to which he readily 
assented. 

Accordingly, he preached on the subject of 
Light ; and it was a splendid sermon, one that 
would have done honor to a Bishop, and I had: 
no doubt but that it had long before done- 
lionor to sonie great man. I preached in the- 



SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 59^' 

evening, and when the Quarterly Conference 
came together, I laid before them the conversa- 
tion I liad had with the man, and then said t<x 
them that he could not occupy their pulpit with 
m}^ consent. 

They were already "in for'' his board, but it 
was agreed that 1 should inform him that liis 
services would not be needed, which I did, and 
that was the last I ever heard of him. This 
circumstance threw a damper on them for a 
while, but Brother Fisher soon returned, and 
matters brightened up again and moved on ])ros- 
perously to the close of the year. 

At Atchison, Brother I. F. Collins, with 
good judgment, took up the work where 1 had 
left it, and immediately commenced to build a 
church. He was a genial gentleman, a good 
preacher, and faithful pastor, whose praise is 
still in the church and city, though he has gone 
to his reward in heaven. May w^e all follow him 
as he followed Christ, till we all meet above to 
count our conflicts and victories over, and give 
the glory to God and the Lamb forever. 

Several members were added to the church 
this year. Brother Samuel Gard, who came here 
a young man and found employment as a clerk, 
brought his letter, and at once identified himself 



'60 REMINISCEN8ES. 

with the church, and soon won the confidence 
of all who knew him. He was modest and 
retiring in his appearance, but firm and active 
in his religious character. After continuing in 
liis capacity as a clerk for a few years, he, in 
company with D. C. ^ewcomb, opened a dry 
goods house, which rapidly grew to be one of 
the leading houses in the cit}^ After a few 
years of honorable and successful business, his 
health failed, and in a few short weeks he died, 
beloved and lamented by all who knew him. 
Brother l^ewcomb still survives him, and con- 
tinues the business, and well has he maintained 
the reputation, they early gained, of Christian 
liberality. And I have no doubt but that 
Christianity in general, and the Methodist 
Church in particular in Atchison, owes more to 
these two 3'oung men than to any other single 
human instrumentality, and clearly was it dem- 
onstrated in them the truth of the wise man's 
saying, "There is that giveth, and yet in- 
creaseth.-' 

Albert Burr joined the church this year and 
was licensed to exhort. He afterwards became 
a preacher, and was admitted on trial in the 
Conference, and appointed to the Indianola cir- 
cuit ; but before the vear closed he became dis- 



SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 61 

couraged and left his work. Brother Burr's 
religious charactei-, as far as I know, was good ; 
his spirit truly catholic, and his ecclesiastical 
cloak was rather of the accommodating kind. 
I believe he has since preached for the Wesley- 
ans in Canada, then again for the Methodists in 
Michigan, then for the Cougregationalists in 
Missouri,and the Southern Methodists in Kansas. 
While he has thus been going ''in and out," it 
is doubtful whether he has found much pasture.. 
A single purpose judicouslj formed, tenaciously 
adhered to, and vigorously prosecuted, will as- 
suredly be attended with success and happiness, 
while indecision is the fatal rock, on which many 
otherwise good and talented men have been, 
wrecked. 

About this time a wealthy tirm moved into 
Kansas and settled in and around Atchison, viz.r. 
Butcher, Auld & Dean. Crookham also, with 
an interesting young family, located here. He 
was a master mechanic, and engaged in hi& 
business. Thomas Butcher and J. 0. Auld 
moved into the country. Auld and family at 
once united with our church, and he was made 
a steward, in which relation he has remained, 
and been active nearly ever since. 

Butcher and Auld have since both moved 



^-62 reminiscp:nses. 

into x^tchison, and as tlieir families have grown 
to maturity, tliej have all manifested an interest 
in the church, and become members. Crook- 
hanrs family have all been identified with the 
church. Plow potent is parental intiuence and 
example. The church buildini>- was safely pro- 
gressing toward completion. 

Sumner was laid out for a town three 
miles below^ Atchison. It was then small, but 
made big pretentions. It assumed very soon 
to become the metropolis ot Kansas. It had 
laid riiit its streets and avenues; had its 
business houses and its hotels; its stores and 
storehouses ; groceries and sak»ons. A very 
good school had been commenced, and they had 
splendid churches (on paper). A weekly paper 
had also been established, tln'ough wliich thej 
heralded abroad theii' mighty dimensions ; spoke 
of themselves as already quite a town, having 
two principal landings from the river, the one 
at the foot of Main street, the other, their upper 
landing, where a few houses had been built, 
called Atchison ; all, however, would soon be 
embraced within the city corporation. 

A tew Methodists had been attracted to this 
place, and settled in and around it. To such a 
point the Bishop and his council thouglit thej 



SECOND YEAR IX KANSAS. 63 

must send a strong, full grown luan. They 
selected Brother Lovejoy, witli his Yankee look 
and training-. The Town C()nj]>any gave him a 
lot, and he built himself a house. In starting 
tor the first quarterly meeting, my horses be- 
came unmanageable and threw me from my 
buggy, and so injured me that I could not reach 
them. 

At their second quartei-ly meeting, I found 
Brother Lovejoy living in his own house. He 
had gathered up the members and organized 
theiri into a society. lie also took in Monrovia, 
and a place eight miles from Leavenworth, called 
the Miser neighborhood. Father Miser had 
•been partially educated for a Baptist preacher, 
but was then a substantial Methodist, and an 
•excellent man. Also. Eiler's neighborhood, 
nearer the river. Here Brother David Sprong, 
-from Philadelphia, an old associate of Brother 
James Linn, had settled. He was an educated 
lawyer, but has since become a practical and 
wealthy farmer. This charge also embraced 
Xickapoo, and some other points on the river, 
and promised then to become quite an important 
Tvork. 

But Sumner w^as short lived. The fates 
seemed against them ; the blufts were too rugged 



64: 



REMINISCE^N'SES. 



and the location nnlavorable. S(jme excellent 
members of our church had settled there. 
Brother and Sister Newcomb, parents ot D. 0^ 
Newcomb, had settled there, with their eastern 
economy and enterprise, and opened their house 
lor the heralds of the cross. Under their hos- 
pitable roof, in their pleasant and friendly 
society, at their liberal board, often have \ny 
weary limbs been rested, my sinking spirits 
revived, and my physical wants supplied. They 
still live, in Vermont, but are feeble, yet joy- 
fully and hopetully looking across the Kiver ot 
Death to the Better Land. 

Several .young men of pronjising ability com- 
menced their career at Sumner, and have, and 
are, making their niark in the world. The late 
lamented Richardson, and the present Senator- 
Ingalls, I believe, commenced at Sumner. But, 
notwithstanding all their ability, the town began 
to dwindle, the inhabitants began to move away, 
and finally a tremendous storm blew down 
several houses, and nearly all the rest was put 
on wheels and njoved to the '' upper landing." 
The charge has since been divided and lost it* 
identity, and has been swallowed up by other 
charges. 

Brother Bowman began his labors at Os- 



SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 65 

kaloosa with zeal aiul usefulness. The town 
was commenced b)^ members of the churcli from 
Iowa. The leading man was a local preacher, 
and under his leadership they prospered for a 
time ; but there was too much light in tlie 
material of his constitution tor these troublous 
times; so he quit preacliing, engaged in the 
struggle, and was carried away in the excitement; 
got out of the church and became intemperate. 
He has once or twice been reclaimed, and the 
last I heard of him, he was preaching for the 
United Brethren. May he have strength to 
triumph over all sin and stand entire at last. 

The results of the pastor's labors on this 
charge, this year, cannot be told in this world, 
as instrumentalities were set in operation that 
have, to the present day, been telling to the 
interest ot the cause ot Christ, and the salvation 
of souls. Brother G. R. Ilouts, who had been 
partially hiding his light, was hunted up by the 
pastor, called out, and licensed to preach, and 
has since been, for several years, an active and 
useful member of the Kansas Conference. 

Indianola was a new work, embracing all the 
country between Topekaand Grasshopper Falls. 
It was named after a little town on Soldier 
Creek, about four miles north of Topeka. Here 



66 REMINISCENSES. 

Brother Fairchild had been selling goods. With 
him we had formed a short acquaintance at 
Conference, and it was he who took care of our 
horses, as we could not take them across the 
river at that time. He was one of the first, and 
remains one of the firmest, Methodists in Kansas. 
He said to me he esteemed it a great favor even 
to keep a Methodist preacher's horse. His 
heart and purse have ever been open, not only 
to the calls of charity in general, but to the 
support of tlie church in particular; and the 
church in return has shown its confidence in his 
judgment and ability,. by electing him one of 
their first lay delegates to the General Con- 
ference. 

Brother J. Griffin, who came to this Terri- 
tory with W. H. Goode, as one of the first 
preachers, was appointed to this work. He 
lived on his farm near Topeka. To reach this 
quarterly meeting I had to travel over fifty 
miles. I reached the place the second day, about 
noon. I inquired for Brother Fairchild, and 
they told me he had moved to Leavenworth. I 
then inquired for the Methodist preacher. They 
said they guessed he was not in town. I in- 
quired if he was expected, and if there was to be 
meeting that day and the next. They said they 



SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 67 

believed so. I inquired where the preacher 
stopped when he came. A woman replied, 
"Sometimes here, and sometimes over yonder," 
pointing to another house. I then thought I 
would try what good office would do a man 
while in straits. I told them I was the Presiding 
Elder; had come to hold their quarterly meeting, 
but being a stranger, I did not know where to 
stop. They replied, "Perhaps the preacher is 
at the other house." 

I drove over to that house, and made similar 
inquiries, with similar results; but, said one, "The 

preacher stops sometimes at Mr. 's, about 

half a mile out of town." 

I concluded to drive to Mr. 's. I hitched 

my horse at tlie gate, and walked up to the 
house, and inquired of the woman if they ever 
•entertained preachers there. She seemed a little 
embarrassed, but said, "Sometimes; we expect 
Brother Griffin here to-day." 

I informed her I had come to hold their 
quarterly meeting, but did not know where to 
stop. She replied, "I guess you can stay here; 

Mr. will be home soon and take care of 

your horse." 

The man soon came, and by the time the 
horse was taken care of. Brother Griffin came. 



68 REMINISCENSES. 

It was then near two o'clock, the time for meeting 
to commence, and I had had no dinner, nor had 
any one asked me to have any ; and being a 
little discouraged, and considerably fatigued, I 
felt more like resting than eating ; and then the 
time having arrived, we started for the school 
house. I said to Brother Griffin, on the way, 
"if it were not for the honor of the church I 
would hitch up my horse, shake the dust off my 
feet and leave the place immediately." 

On reaching the house, we found a few as- 
sembled, and I occupied a short time in inquiring, 
" What is your life? " by noticing the brevity of 
human life, the feeble tenure by which it is held, 
and the important results of its improvement 
either of happiness or misery ; and I think a 
good impression was made. 

We returned to the house, and soon had 
some refreshments. The man seemed sour, 
sullen, and unsociable. I endeavored to act the 
agreeable as best I could, and talked of his farm 
and farming interests. He brightened up a 
little, and seemed more friendly. 

Next morning, in the lovefeast, the Spirit of 
God was present to melt all hearts, so that at 
its close, our host, with some other hard cases, 
came forward with tears, to unite with the 



SECOND TEAR IN KANSAS. 69 

church as seekers of religion. But a few months 
alter, this man died, a different man from what 
he had been the most of his lite. 

How important it is to sow beside all waters, 
and how true the declaration, that if we sow our 
seed in the morning and in the evening with- 
hold not our hand, we know not which shall 
prosper, or whether all will prove good. On us 
is the obligation; with others, the responsibitj; 
but with God, the final award. 

Grasshopper Falls enjoyed some prosperity 
under the administration of Brother Downey, 
and has gradually risen ever since. Dr. Cooper 
then lived there, was one of the stewards, and 
very active and interested in the affairs of the 
church. He has since moved to Oskaloosa, and 
united with the Presbyterian Church ; but, 
wherever he is, he is very friendlj^, for it is his 
nature. 

White Cloud took permanent ground from 
the commencement. Brother C. Graham, from 
the Genesee Conference, was their preacher. 
He labored with much acceptability, but has 
since returned to his old Conference, Brother 
Munhall, a 3'oung man received on trial at the 
Conference, was sent to Columbus City. This 
work embraced Troy, the county seat of Doni- 



70 KEMINISCENSES. 

phan County, and all the little villages in the 
bend of the Missouri River, between Doniphan 
and White Cloud. 

In the fall we held a camp meeting, near 
Columbus City. It was a time ot refreshing, 
awakening, and conversions, and we trust lasting 
in its results. On Sunday morning we held a 
geneial speaking meeting. Several interesting: 
experiences were related. Among them was 
one rather remarkable. A brother arose and 
spoke in substance as follows : " Some years 
ago I was convinced of sin, and earnestly desired 
pardon and acceptance with God. I did not 
know what to do, but was anxiously inquiring 
the way to Zion. A professed friend said to me: 
' Why need you be so troubled ; the way is 
easy ; all you have to do is to be immersed in 
water, and you wnll immediately meet with a 
change of heart.' I at once consented, went 
forward, and w^as immersed. After I had wiped 
the water out of my eyes and ears, my friend 
said to me, ' Have you not met with a change 
in your feelings ? ' I hesitated for a moment, 
and then said yes, I have been changed from a 
dry state to a wet state, and that is all the 
change that I can see. My heart was still op- 
pressed. I felt the burden of sin still weighing 



SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 71 

me down. I heard of a praj^er meeting; I went 
to it, went forward for prayers, and in answer 
to prayer, God blessed me. My burden fell off; 
my grief-stricken heart was comforted ; then I 
knew I was changed — changed from darkness to 
light ; from weeping to rejoicing ; from an un- 
believing, hard, and cold heart, to the love of 
God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, 
which love I still feel burning in my heart this 
morning." 

Doniphan was supplied this year by Brother 
Collins. He succeeded in forming a class and 
organizing a Sunday School. The land office 
having been located there, had given it con- 
siderable importance. The society has continued 
to prosper more or less until the present day. 

The conference year was drawing to a close, 
and the church in general was in a healthy and 
prosperous condition. I was living this year 
about half w^ay between Atchison and White 
Cloud. One evening, while quietly seated in my 
house preparing my papers for Conference, I 
was saluted by some one from without. On 
going to the door, a voice inquired, "Can you 
keep some Methodist preachers over night." I 
cheerfully replied in tlie affirmative, and readily 
recognized the voice of L. B. Dennis, Presiding 



72 reminiscp:nses. 

Elder of Lawrence District, accompanied by 
President Davis, B. C. Dennis, and Brothers 
Blackford and Lloyd, on their way to Conference, 
which was to meet in Omalia. 

The next morning^ these brethren started on, 
and I had to go to Atchison on some Conference 
matters, and returned at night, and started next 
morning for White Cloud. I learned at Atchison 
that a boat had passed up with several of the 
preachers on board. I reached White Cloud be- 
fore them. Atter waiting a short time, the boat 
came along, and I and Brother Graham went on 
board, and found Brothers Fisher, Collins, 
Lovejoy and others, on board, which added to 
the pleasure of the trip. The boat made slow 
progress, so that we were out on the Sabbath ; 
but the occasion was improved, by invitation of 
the Captain, by holding religious service. We 
reached Omaha, the seat of the Conference, in 
good time, and tound several of the preachers 
already on hand, and in good spirits, after the 
toils, conflicts, victories, sufferings and triumphs 
of the past year. 



OMAHA CONFERENCK. 



CHAPTER lY. 



OMAHA CONFERENCE. 

Bishop Scott was to preside at the Oinalia 
'Conference, but he did not reach tlie place until 
Tliursdaj evening or Friday morning after the 
•Conference met. W. H, Good was elected 
jPresident, and I. F. Collins, Secretary. 

In the appointment of committees, a motion 
-was made that the Presidiiig Elders, and one 
man from each district, be the Mission Com- 
imittee. One of the Presiding Elders moved to 
amend by striking oot the words, ''Presiding 
'Elders," in the first line, and adding, "exclusive 
•of the Presiding Elders," which motion pre- 
vailed. 

This action proved most beneficial to the 
Presiding Elders, as the committee wished to 
rshow their magnanimity, so that the appropria- 
tions to the districts were larger than their 
delicacy would have allowed them to make for 
themselves. But in other respects, it operated 
•unfavorably, for both President and Committee 
had to work in the dark — the one in making 
the appointments, and the other in making the 
appropriations. In one case the appropriation 
was for one man, but two men were appointed 



74 EEMINISCENSES. 

to the work. In other cases, small appropria- 
tions were made, and men of large families were 
appointed to the work. 

The practice, that has obtained, of making- 
the Presiding Elders the Mission Committee,, 
has been found to be both wise and just, for so- 
both the men and the money are taken into- 
consideration in making the appropriations and' 
the appointments. 

At this Conference, the question of sending 
preachers to the Rocky Mountains was discussed' 
at length, in the Bishop's Cabinet. It was finally 
determined that W. H. Good should receive a 
nominal appointment, and some time during the- 
year, with some young man that he might select, 
visit the Rocky Mountains, make a thorough* 
exploration, and report at the next Conference. 
Leavenworth was fixed upon as the place for 
the next session. 

At this Conference, Bishop Scott preached: 
Sunday morning, at 11 o'clock, on the '' Divinity 
of the Holy Spirit," and Brothers Dennis and 
Taylor preached — one in the afternoon, and the- 
other in the evening — and both did well, and 
doubtless would have done better, had they not 
had the Bishop and the Conference to carry; for 



OMAHA CONFERENCE. Y5- 

both appeared as if they were ready to saj, "Ye- 
are all spies." 

On Monday, at the close of the afternoon 
session, the 221st hymn was sung, and Prof. 
Loomis led in prayer; and the Bishop, after 
some appropriate remarks, read the appoint- 
ments, and Conference adjourned, and we all 
prepared to report for our respective division of 
the work. 

H. D. Fisher was returned to Leavenw^orth 
for the second year, during which the church 
was inclosed, and the lecture room opened tor- 
service. This made them a comfortable place 
for worship. The congregation began to in- 
crease, and general prosperity attended them. 

The Leavenworth mission was connected with 
Sumner and Lancaster, and supplied by Brothers 
Lovejoy and Taylor. But little was effected 
towards a permanent organization. Sumner and 
Lancaster began to dwindle. This year financial 
affairs fell fearfully low. At the second quarterly 
meeting they paid the Presiding Elder Jl/ty 
centSj all in cash. At the fourth quarterly meet- 
ing, a collection of some three dollars and a half 
was taken up., and the whole was paid to the Pre- 
siding Elder, which constituted the sum total of 
his receipts, from this charge, for the entire year^. 



76 EEMINISCENSES. 

Surely much faith was necessary on the part of 
the preachers, but, " could faith save them ? " 

Atchison and Doniphan, under the adminis- 
tration of Brother I. F, OoUins, continued to 
prosper. The church at Atchison was completed 
and dedicated. Brother H. D. Fisher officiated 
with his accustomed ability and success, yet 
there was a debt the trustees had to assume. 

About this time (August, 1859), Eev. L. .D. 
Price, a transfer from the Detroit Conference, 
moved into Kansas, and as our Conference met 
in the spring, he assisted the preachers in filling 
up the work — preaching occasionally at Leaven- 
worth, Geary City, Doniphan, and Atchison. At 
the latter place he rendered efficient service, 
preaching for them while their pastor was 
abroad soliciting aid, and going abroad himself 
and raising money, among his old friends, to 
relieve them of their embarrassments, &o that the 
whole debt was honorably paid during this winter. 

A little before this, three young men — broth- 
ers — and two sisters, by the name of McCully, 
moved into Atchison. They were children of re- 
ligious parents, who had died and gone to glory. 
The children had doubtless been brought up in 
' 'the way they should go. ' ' The brothers were not 
jnembers of the church, but were from the first. 



OMAHA CONFEKENCE. 7T 

ideii titled with its interests, so much so, that 
reminiscenses of Methodism in Atchison would 
be seriously defective without reference to this- 
family. One of the sisters has since married, 
and moved into the country. One of the broth- 
ers died, and another has gone to some other 
parts. 

Sister Sally identified herself at once with 
the church ; and in the Sunday school and all 
the social gatherings, she is an essential part 
and parcel ; while J. C.'s voice has been heard 
in the choir, and his monej^ and influence felt in 
all the benevolent enterprises of the church. 
We wish he possessed as much experimental 
and vital Christianity as he does liberality and 
friendship. 

During this year, J. M. Crowell moved into 
Atchison, and opened a grocery store. His wife 
was a member of the church, and a woman of 
unusual energy, activity, and business qualifica- 
tions. She could never be inactive any where. 
She could purchase a bill of goods, and order 
them on with dispatch, and then go behind the 
counter and deal them out to customers. She 
could not only move with ease in the society of 
the cultured and refined, but her presence was- 
always found at the bedside of the suffering. 



'78 EEMINISCENSES. 

>She sought out the poor, to administer to them 
relief, while the claims of the church were 
always prominent in her plans — but the Master 
has seen fit to call her away. Thus he takes the 
workmen home, but carries on the work. 

At Doniphan, a good Sunday School had 
•been organized the year before, and continued 
vto prosper. Near the close of last year, two 
men moved into Doniphan, viz.: Dr. Phelps 
and J. Hartman. They were both members of 
tlie church, and very active, and seemed great 
friends. One was made a class leader, and the 
other a steward, and tlie church felt greatly 
encouraged. But, unfortunately, during the 
year some difficulty sprung up between them 
(the merits of which 1 never understood), and 
they quarreled severely, and threatened to shoot 
each other. Of course, they both blackslid. 
Plielps withdrew from the church, and Hartman, 
as he was only on probation, was read off at 
the quarterly meeting, as discontinued. He 
■ came to me soon after, and threatened to whip 
Collins. I told him he had better "hold his 
horses," as lie had already sufficient reputation, 
..and tliat his spirit now convinced me that 
-Brother Collins had done right. 

Phelps moved into the country, for about a 



OMAHA CONFERENCE. 79 

year, and then went to Atchison, and opened a 
■drug store. He was afterwards reclaimed, brought 
into the church, made a class leader, lived a 
short time, and then died, I think, in the con- 
fidence of all who knew him — and, we hope, is 
safely landed where suffering and sorrow will 
never come. Hartman, I believe, has since 
died, but under what circumstances I know not. 

Towns had s])rung np in Kansas, as mush- 
rooms. One w^as rising and spreading opposite 
St. Joe, called El wood, which was attracting 
considerable attention. This place, connected 
with Wathena, was made a charge, and Brother 
May, who had been stationed at Nebraska City, 
was appointed to this work, but he chose to 
transfer to the Missouri Conference. 

Soon after my reaching home, I received a 
letter from Bishop Scott, informing me that 
Brother May had transferred, and that he 
had sent me the bearer. Brother Blake, to 
supply his place at Wathena. Brother Blake, 
commenced his work with considerable spirit, 
but failed to make any impression at El wood. 
The people at Wathena seemed well pleased. 
At the first quarterly meeting, they were in good 
spirits ; at the second, a little lukewarm ; at the 



80 ' REMINISCENSES. 

third, chilled ; and at the fourth, dead and ready- 
to be buried. Thus the year closed. 

Columbus City was a charge with two- 
preachers — Brothers B. F. Bowman and a single- 
man by the name of J. E. Kline. It extended 
from Iowa Point to Palermo, leaving Wathena. 
and Elw^ood out, and west to the Brown County 
line. It was a year of considerable prosperity^, 
especially with Brother Kline, as he found a. 
good wife in the person of the daughter of the- 
late Rev. Jonas Dodge. A camp meeting was- 
appointed for this work, to be held at Charleston. 

Shortly before this time, a man by the name 
ot Lloyd, living in my neighborhood, who had. 
once been a member ot the church, and a 
preacher, had in some way got out of the- 
church, but continued to preach, as the Yankee 
fought, "on his own hook." He had become 
remarkably liberal in one direction, embracing: 
all denominations alike ; but very proscriptive 
in another, and in his opposition to all organiza- 
tions, he 'had waxed warm. He came to me- 
and inquired it he attended the camp meetings 
would I permit him to preach. I told him no;; 
that I was responsible for the proper manage- 
ment of the meeting; that he was not responsible 
to any religious denomination; and, although i 



OMAHA CONFERENCE. 81 

wished to treat him courteously, I could not 
take the responsibility of permitting an irre- 
sponsible person to address a congregation under 
my supervision. He took it kindly, and was 
ever after my friend. 

Plain, kind, and honest dealing with men, I 
have always found, to be the best. This man 
afterwards, in a religious awakening, became 
revived, joined the church, and under the 
administration of D. P. Mitchell was licensed to 
preach. He has since died, and we hope is safe 
in heaven. The camp meeting was one of in- 
terest, and we trust of profit, to many souls. 

At White Cloud and Highland, nothing 
special came under my observation during the 
year. Grasshopper Falls and Indianola were 
supplied by Strange Brooks, of the Iowa Con- 
ference, with the understanding that he obtain a 
transfer during the year. This was a heavy 
charge, and required much ti-avel ; and he had 
his hands full ot labor, but not of money, lor I 
believe he claimed to have nearly eaten up a 
good pair of mules during the year. 

At one of his quarterly meetings I employed 
Rev. L. D. Price to attend in my place. The 
meeting was to be held at Indianola, near To- 
peka. A little incident occurred, in making the 



82 REMINISCENSES. 

trip, whicli will give some idea of the exposure 
in a new country. I give his own language : 

"I reached the Grasshopper about three 
o'clock in the afternoon of Friday. I observed 
that the stream appeared high, but as there 
were fresh tracks on both sides on the shore, I 
thought I could go where others went, and with- 
out hesitation, pushed on. But before the wagon 
was in the stream, the horses were swimming, 
and no chance for retreat. When about midway 
of the stream, my light wagon uncoupled — the 
hind wheels and bed, went down stream. I 
managed to get on the fore axle-tree, and went 
out with the horses. On reaching the shore, I 
separated my horses, got on one of them, and 
rode up to the town, and reported to Brother 
Brooks, the preacher. He at once comprehended 
my situation, and without delay, mounted his 
mule and started to the new mill, which had 
that day shut up their dam that had caused the 
rise in the stream. The gate was opened ; the 
next morning we got out the wagon, hired a boy 
to go in and bring out my satchel, containing 
ray clothing, books and papers. I went to a 
store and purchased some under clothing, and 
ivith Brother Brooks, started for the seat ot the 
.quarterly conference. 



OMAHA CONFERENCE. 83 

We had a pleasant time, holding the meeting 
in a cloth tent, provided for the occasion. On 
our way home, niglit overtook us, and as it was 
difficult to iind our way after dark, we halted at 
a cabin and inquired if we could stay all night. 
Being answered in the affirmative, we put up 
our team. The lady of the house prepared 
supper for us, which consisted of ' slap-jacks ' 
and strong coffee, and when ready, she said to 
us, ' Now, pitch in.' After some conversation 
and prayer with tlie family, we rested upon a 
bunch of straw. In the morning we arose early, 
and started before breakfast. Inquirhig what 
the bill was, we were told tliat it would be ' six 
bits ' apiece. We reached home in good time, 
with $2.50 for the Presiding Elder, and about 
$5,00 out of pocket, saying nothing about the 
loss of books and papers by lying in the Grass- 
hopper one night." 

At Oskaloosa, during the previous year, 
under the judicious administration of Brother 
Bowman, the church had become permanently 
organized, and blessed with a glorious revival of 
religion. Some had been reclaimed and others 
converted and brought into the church ; about 
thirty-five in all. During the present year, 
under the administration of Brother Downey, 



84 REMINISCENSES. 

they continued to prosper, although it required 
much wisdom and attention to build up and 
establish the members. 

In this work, the pastor was greatly assisted 
by Brother Jacob Boucher, a local elder. Brother 
Boucher was formerly from Ohio, where he was 
licensed to preach, and received into the North 
Ohio Conference. He labored there three years, 
with great acceptability and usefulness, but for 
some reason he discontinued, which step he has 
ever since regretted. He removed to Iowa, and 
from there to Kansas, in 1S56. He was one of 
the first to settle in Oskaloosa. He was modest, 
meek, and retiring in his appearance ; yet 
'settled, consistant and firm in his religious 
character ; and, although he might assume to 
lead, he was emphatically the foundation, central 
pillar, and life of the organization. His cabin 
was the first preaching place in town, and when 
the congregation became too large for this, he 
fitted up another house in town, belonging to 
him, in which all denominations worshipped, 
when not occupied by the Methodists. His house 
has been a home for preachers, and his purse 
ever opened to the calls of charity in , general^ 
and the support of the church in particular. He 
has since been in the regular work as a supply, 



OMAHA CONFERENCE. 85 

two or three years, and everywhere rendered 
good service. 

Brother Boucher was clear on all the doctrines 
of the Bible, as set forth in the discipline of the 
church ; warm and ardent in his sympathies ; 
kind and liberal in his feelings ; conscientiously 
exact in all his dealings — consequently a growing 
christian. The interest of Christianity, and the 
church, seemed to be the ruling motive of his 
life. 

I will relate a little incident to illustrate his 
character. When their first neat little church 
was built, he was foremost among the subscrib- 
ers ; and when it was finished, there was a small 
debt yet remaining, which they proposed to raise 
at the dedication. Brother Boucher sent for 
me and the pastor to come and see him. We 
found him in a dark room, suffering severely 
from inflammation of the eyes. Said he, ''I 
thought I had paid all I could, but I want to see 
the church out of debt. I want you to put me 
down for e$25.00 more." And he wept for joy, 
and gave glory to God for his abounding grace. 

As time moved on, his constitution and his 
physical energies became feeble. In some i-e 
spects, his mind seemed to gather new strength 
and such was his faith, that he appeared to live 



S6 EEMINISCENSES. 

in constant communion with God, and ripening 
for the better land. In his latter days he wrote 
much — some very excellent poetry tor the 
papers, and an autobiography, which his family 
still have in their possession. 

One day in February, 187 — , he met in class, 
and told them that it would probably be the last 
time he would meet with them. In a few days 
he was taken sick, and after lingering a short 
time, quietlj^ passed away. May we not well 
say, ''Let me die the death of the righteous and 
let my last end be like his." 

Jesse Newell was one of the town proprietors. 
He came here a local preacher ; he was ardent 
and positive in his temperament, and when he 
went right, he went with railroad speed ; but 
when he stopped, he would not go at all ; and 
when he took the wrong shoot, he went with 
accelerated motion. I believe, on the whole, he 
wanted to be good, and do good. He had some 
ups and downs. We hope, through grace, he 
will get to heaven at last. 

Noah Leverton, a local preacher, was an early 
settler here, and rendered valuable service in 
building up the church. He has since died, and 
2:one to his reward. Brothers Fitzsimmons and 
Shraden were early here, and actively engaged 



OMAHA CONFERENCE. S7 

in the cause of the Master as steward and class 
leader. 

Oskaloosa, this year, had some difficulties, 
both in town and church. They had resolved 
from the first to make this a strictly temperance 
town. But soon it was found that the devil was 
not willing to acknowledge their right of pre- 
emption, or give peaceful possession to the 
principles of right, but through his agent, a 
hotel keeper, smuggled in a barrel of whisky. 
The ladies, learning this, organized themselves 
into a vigilance committee, and under the leader- 
ship of Sister Boucher, visited the place, and 
informed the woman (the man being absent) that 
they had come to empty out that whisky. She 
pleaded for her dear idol, and to save it from 
destruction, being nearly as heavy as the barrel 
of whisky, threw herself on it and hugged it 
closely to her bosom, and after some little par- 
leying, she arose to plead her cause, and defend 
her rights. The ladies took advantage of this 
opportunity, and one held the woman while the 
others spilled out the whisky, and thus destroyed 
the ''snakes," that otherwise might have got 
into the boots of some of their husbands. 

The church had some difficulties this year. 
One that had been reclaimed and brought into 



88 REMINISCENSES. 

tlie church, became a little restive ; thoiieht he 
had not been promoted sufficiently, and com- 
plained tliat while they had been feeding some 
with a ladle, they had fed him witli a spoon, 
and not being in favor of homoeopathic doses, he 
declared he was starving to deatli, and got out 
of the church. He has since gone where, per- 
il aps, they feed him with a shovel. Such is the 
appetite of some men for flattery, that nothing 
but scoop-shovel doses can satisfy them. 

The time for the fifth session of the Confer- 
ence drew near, and the preachers prepared to 
go up to their Jerusalem, not knowing what 
would befall them there. 



CHAPTER Y. 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 

March 15, 1860, Conference met in the lecture 
room of the church. It consistea of thirty- eight 
members, and all were present except two, 
Brothers A. Still and C. Ketcham. Bishop 
Ames, who was to preside, did not reach the 
Conference at all. It was called to order, and 
L. B. Dennis elected chairman pro tem.^ and 
H. D. Fisher, Secretary. The Conference then 



LEAA'ENWORTH CONFERENCE. 89 

•proceeded to elect a permanent President; L. 
'B. Dennis was declared duly elected. 

• The transfer of L. D, Price from the Detroit 
Conference, and Strange Brooks, from the Iowa 
•Conference, were read, and they were introduced, 
and took their seats within the bar. Joseph 
Brooks, editor of tlie Central Christian Advocate, 
was also present, and preached on Sabbath, at 
eleven o'clock, an able an spiritual sermon. I 
believe he was more successful as an editor and 
preacher, than he has since leen as Governor of 
Arkansas. 

The business of the Conference was transacted 
•with dispatch, and it was practically demon- 
strated that we had abundant material in the 
Conference for Bishops, besides what was already 
worked up into the Existing Board. 

Brother Goode made a favorable report of 
the Kocky Mountain exploration, which he had 
made during the year. A Eocky Mountain 
District was fornjed, and John M. Chivington, 
appointed Presiding Elder, and J. Adriance 
stationed at Golden City and Boulder. The rest 
was to be supplied. Milton Mahan w^as re- 
admitted at this Conference, and stationed at 
.Atchison. 

Much important business came before this 



90 REMINISCENSESc- 

session. It was the time to elect delegates? 
to the General Conference — L. B. Dennis and 
W. H. Good were elected said delegates, and' 
W. K. Davis, D, D., and W. Smith, reserves. 

A resolution was passed, requesting the- 
General Conference to connect that portion of 
the German work, known as the Missouri Dis- 
trict, of the Illinois Conference, to the Kansas 
Conference. 

A motion was also adopted requesting the 
General Conference to divide the Kansas and 
Nebraska Conference, according to the State 
lines ; the Kocky Mountain District to remain- 
in the Kansas Conference. 

A motion was also adopted requesting the- 
General Conference to make contingent provision 
to organize a Rocky Mountain Conference, prior- 
to the General Conference of 1864, and to. 
authorize the Bishop to make such organization, 
should the continued immigration be such as in 
their judgment to render the measure necessary. . 

The place for holding the next Kansas Con- 
ference was fixed lor Manhattan, and for the- 
Nebraska Conference, at Nebraska City. In 
case of no division, all were to meet at Man- 
hattan. 

J. Paulson, from the New England Confer- 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 91 

ence, and Win. Butt, of the Arkansas Conference, 
were also transferred to Kansas. Brother 
Butt had been a member of this Conference 
once before, but had been transferred to 
Arkansas, and appointed to the Texas District. 
He took his family in a wagon, and with an ox 
team, started for his field of labor. On reaching 
Texas, he found the pro-slavery element so 
heated up, that silence was indispensable for 
his safety, and in consultation with a few friends, ' 
concluded not to make himself publicly known, 
but to retrace his steps to where he could breathe 
more freely. 

The business of this Conference having been 
finished, the appointments were read, we ad- 
journed, and the preachers prepared to engage 
in the campaign for another year. 

The following were the districts and the 
Presiding Elders for the year : Omaha, W. 
M. Smith ; Nebraska City, Isaac Chivington; 
Leavenworth, James Shaw ; Baldwin City, L. 
B. Dennis ; Ossawatomie, I^athan Taylor ; Ot- 
tumwa, Mark Robertson ; Manhattan, J. Deni- 
son ; Rock Mountains, J. Chivington. 

Brother Fisher's constitutional term having 
expired at Leavenwojth, it was left to be sup- 
plied, and he was appointed to the Leavenworth 



92 REMINISCEN8ES. 

Mission, in connectioD with A. L. Downey, with 
the understaiiding that he should go abroad as 
agent to collect funds to finish up the Leaven- 
worth church. The Presiding Elder was to 
supply the station as best he could. 

L. D. Price was stationed at E'ebraska City. 
On reaching his charge, he found to his great 
discouragement, the church in a state of excite- 
ment about the appointmentot the new Presiding 
Elder, he having been stationed there the year 
before. In some way a difficulty had sprung up 
between him and some of the leading members 
of the church, and they absolutely refused to 
receive him as their Presiding Elder. Charges 
were preferred by each party against the other, 
and both were recruiting for a general war. But, 
b}^ an effort on the part of the pastor, an 
agreement had been effected. A compromise 
was proposed, on the part of the church, about 
to this effect : That if a change of Presiding 
Elders, between this and the Leavenworth Dis- 
trict, could be effected, they would drop the 
matter and let it rest. 

To this, I understood Brother Chivington 
consented, and Brother Price came to obtain my 
consent to the arrangement. After looking the 
matter over I concluded that, at least in some 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 93 

cases, caution was the better part of valor, 
I said to bim, 1 tbink, about in substance, as 
follows : 

" Tbere is a certain little animal that looks 
very innocent and pretty at a distance, but facts 
prove, tbe turtber vou keep from it tbe better. 
If you do not want your alfactories awfully 
shocked, and you in return shock others, you 
bad better not stir it up, even with a long pole. 
If this animal has to be skinned, I do not pro- 
pose to undertake the job." 

Brother Price returned, but did not stay long. 
His health, poor at best, completely failed, and 
he had to give up the work. 

The political affairs ot the nation began to 
assume a fearfully serious and threatening aspect. 
The presedential election was drawing near ; the 
sentiments ot the people were clearly and un. 
reconcilably divided on the subject of slavery, 
and both parties sought to make it a political 
issue. 

The agitation effected all organizations and 
institutions. The churches all felt its baneful 
influence. The Methodist Episcopal Church had 
been racked to her center, and rent in twain by 
this unfortunate agitation, and now a similar 
result threatened the nation. 



94 KEMINISCENSES. 

The great majority of the people north were 
determined on the destruction of slavery, or, at 
least, to so corner it up, punch, gore, and injure 
it, that it would die of its wounds. 

The south plainly saw that there was no hope 
for them and this institution, except in its un- 
conditional and universal endorsement, or a 
destruction of the government. Hence, they 
sought the control ot the nation by nominating 
a southern man for President. Failing in that, 
the great. Democratic Convention divided — part 
drew off, and put in nomination one of their own 
choice. On his election, they staked the 
stability, and life of the nation, and boldly de- 
clared they would accept of no compromise, or 
submit to any other decision. 

Of course, the church could not live in this 
agitation and strife, and not be effected. The 
ministers were warned against agitating the 
question. If they were in favor of the institution 
of slavery, they were in^disfavor with the north- 
ern element ; if they were opposed to the 
institution, the south said, "You must keep 
your mouth shut on the subject, or keep out of 
■our community." 

But, eternal honor to the Methodist preachers 
of Kansas, they proposed, with their illustrious 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 95 

leader, to be loyal to their government. Though 
the fierce war cry was ringing through the air, 
with persevering firmness they lifted up their 
■voices against every thing they conceived to be 
sinful. 

Brother Mahan, in coming to Atchison, was 
at once admonished to be very cautions on this 
question. But, whatever he may have thought 
of the advice, he meekly, 3^et firmly, ordered the 
national flag to be hoisted on his church, and 
under its waving folds, commenced to proclaim, 
''' Peace on earth and good will to all men." 

As national affairs were assuming such a 
serious aspect, it was perhaps best, on the whole, 
that the lines should be definitely and clearly 
drawn, that men might understandingly take 
their position on either side, and wait the 
arbitrament that was approaching. 

The agitation in the country so effected our 
finances that the trustees of the church, at 
Leavenworth, found it necessary to move slowly 
with their church enterprise, and in this they 
moved safely. They devoted their efforts this 
year to paying off their debt. They had gotten 
up and enclosed a good building ; a good lecture 
i*oom to accommodate the congregation and Sab- 
bath School, and good class rooms for the 



96 EEMINISCENSES. 

classes. Thus, they had \i\id a good foundation. 
Brother Fisher had tine success abroad in col- 
lecting funds. 

H. N. Seavor, a superanuated preacher of 
the Genessee Conference, was living within the 
bounds of this district, and, as his health was 
greatly improved, a resolution was passed in the 
Conference inviting his transfer. But, I believe,, 
the transfer was never effected. I thought it 
advisable to employ him to suppl}^ the pastorate 
at Leavenworth, which he did, a part of the 
year, with acceptability. 

Brother Seavor v/as evidently qualified for 
usefulness. He had been a promising man in 
his own Conference, and might have been a 
bright and shining light in this ; but in some 
wa}^, whether justly or unjustly, we know not,. 
a cloud came over him. A difficulty arose be- 
tween him and his former friend and associate, 
C. Graham. In the strife, in some way, Seavor 
got out of the church. I think he withdrew. 
Although I have not been acquainted with him 
for several years, I think he is still out of the 
church. 

O, what a solemn responsibility to bury our 
talents ! A great evil existed somewhere, and 
an awful reckoning awaits in the future. One 



LEAVENWOETH CONFERENCE. 97 

thing is certain — liowever much we may be 
persecuted, what ever charges of corruption may 
be made against us ; however fiercely our char- 
acter may^be assailed, we cannot lay down our 
responsibility with the approval of our God. 
Nor should we permit ourselves to be driven 
frum our home and the privileges of the church, 
but, if guilty, we should at once confess, forsake 
our sins, and seek forgiveness at the mercy seat, 
as the only sate and honorable course. 

At Atchison nothing very special occurred 
this year. Brother Mahan was well received, 
and labored faithfully, and looked carefully after 
all the interests of the church. 

J. C. Eiesner moved into Atchison, in an 
early day, and built the Tremont House, which 
he has kept most of the time. Soon after mov- 
ing to the town, he and his wife became identified 
with the church, and all its interests, and have 
so remained up to the present time. Many 
preachers have been fed, lodged, and refreshed 
under their hospitable roof It is generally un- 
derstood that the latch string of their door is 
always out. 

At Doniphan, nothing special occurred during 
this year. The town was on the stand still. The 
land office had been removed to Kickapoo, and 



98 EEMINISCENSES. 

they were struggling tor a mere existence. The 
church barely held its own. C. Graham was 
their pastor. 

O. B. Gardner had been received on trial, 
at the Conference, and a])pointed to Wathena 
and Elwood. He proved to be a man of sterling 
w^orth. He reached his work in good season, 
but such was the state of affairs, that he met 
with a cool reception, and some went so tar as 
to say they were afraid ot Methodist preachers. 
Nothing, however, daunted him. He told them 
he had been sent there by the Bishop, and by 
the grace of God, he was going to stay and do 
the best he could. 

The first night, he and his family cooked their 
first meal in the open air, and, I think, slept in 
his wagon. But some one, out of charity, might 
have invited them into their house. The next 
morning he hunted for himself a house, and 
moved into it. The next Sabbath he preached 
to them, as though it was all fair sailing. Some 
would have been discouraged, and abandoned 
the work, but Brother Gardner was not the man 
to yield to trifles. He met difficulties, and in the 
name of his Master, he overcome them. 

He visited Elwood, but met, at the first, 
nothing but discouragement. He looked up a 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 



99 



•vacant house, obtained the privilege to preach 
in it, got some idle young men to arrange some 
temporary seats, and commenced preaching. 
Ood gave him favor, and attended the woi'k with 
power. Some old backsliders were reclaimed, 
other converted, and a good thriving class was 
formed. This class did not, however, continue 
many years. 

The town was built on sand, and the 
Missouri River laid a claim on the soil, and 
carried away most of the village. It has never 
since gained much permanency, and fears are 
•entertained that it will either all go into the 
river, or that the river will cut a channel across, 
some two miles back, where, I am told, the land 
in the bend ot the river is only three-quarters of 
ii mile across, and leave Elwood, and the St. 
Joseph bridge, on dry ground. 

Lancaster, a small town ten miles west from 
Atchison, had been connected with Columbus 
Oity. A small church had been built. At 
Conference it had been made a seperate charge, 
^nd Brother McNeal appointed as their preacher. 
He had a pretty good education, but some 
peculiarities. On the whole, I believe he was 
R good man. He afterwards moved east, and 
I believe has since died. Lancaster has never 



100 EEMINISCENSES. 

amounted to niucli as a town, or church. It is 
a pity to spoil a good farm, to build up a poor, 
forsaken town. Lancaster has since shown con- 
siderable signs of prosperity. 

Brother Bowman was appointed to Columbus 
City, and labored with his accustomed prudence 
and success. 

Brother Leard was appointed to White Cloud,, 
but when the appointments were read at the 
Conference, he gave me notice, that on account 
of his wife's health, he could not go to the work, 
and the charge was supplied by a Brother Green, 
from Ohio. He was a man of strong faith, and 
zealous in his work. A revival commenced at 
once, and spread like fire all around the circuit. 
But he continued only a part of the year. Brother 
Price was employed, though in poor health, to 
fill out the term. 

J. S. Kline was appointed to Grasshopper 
Falls. At this point, although the growth of 
the church was slow, it was assuming per- 
manency, and exerting a healthy influence on 
the community. Brother Yanlon had moved in 
and bought a farm, about one mile from town. 
He was an honorable and active member of the 
church, and rendered good service as a steward. 
He has since died. So our members come and 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. lOl 

go. How important that we work while tlie 
day lasts ! Bi-other Yanlon worked faithfully 
while he was with us, but the Master said, ''It 
is enough; come up higher." 

Liberty Prentice, a superanuated preacher, 
of the North Ohio Conference, moved in and 
settled a few miles from the town. Although 
he was not able to preach much, he rendered 
good service by. his counsel, example and advice. 
Kansas climate proved favorable for his health, 
so that he soon assumed his usual activity, and 
preached with great acceptability and usefulness. 

Albert Burr was appointed to Indianola. At 
his first quarterly meeting, I found him and his 
family comfortably domiciled, with another 
family, and "with sails all set," sailing with a fair 
breeze. I feared then that it was too good to 
last, and advised him to get a house by himself, 
as it might become burdensome and unpleasant 
after a while. 

The second quarterly meeting, I found him 
in a house by himself, some difficuly having 
sprung up between himself and the family with 
whom I found him so comfortably domiciled at 
-first. He was in the midst of "wars, and rumors 
of wars." I tried to reconcile matters as best I 
could, and thought I had succeeded, at least in 



102 REMINISCENSES. 

effecting a ''cessation of hostilities," and hoped 
things would move on more pleasantly the rest 
of the year. But not long after this, on my way 
to Grasshopper, I met Brother Burr with his fam- 
ily, on the prairie, headed toward Atchison. He 
told me he was bound for Canada, and that I 
might ask at ^the next Conference for his dis- 
continuance. I could but think that poor 
Indianola resembled, in some respects, the horse 
spoken of in " Uncle Tom's Cabin," under whos^ 
saddle the slaves put a large chestnut burr. 

Oskaloosa, this year, under the labors of 
Brother Brooks, had a good revival, and many 
were converted and brought into the church. 
They proposed, and at once commenced, to build 
a house of worship, which they finished and had 
dedicated before Conference. Their fourth 
quarterly meeting was to be held in the neigh- 
borhood oi Moses Akers, about twelve miles 
Irom Oskaloosa. Brother Akers was an ex- 
horter, and one of the first settlers in Kansas. 
His house was a home for all the preachers, and 
a nucleus around which a good society grew up. 
Others moved in — the two Brothers Webb and 
Brother Hart — from whom the Hart's Grove 
Camp Ground took its name. This was one of 
the best societies in Kansas, and has held its 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. iOS 

own ever since. It belonged to the Oskaloosa 
charge. 

I reached Brother Webb's Friday night, for 
the fourth quarterly meeting, and there met a 
message from Brother Brooks, saying they were 
in the midst of a great revival, and he wished 
me to remove the quarterly meeting to Oska- 
loosa. But I had no authority to chana^e the 
place for a quarterly meeting, and did not think 
it advisable if I had, as most ot the official mem- 
bers lived in the country, and would probably 
come here for quarterly conference. And so it 
proved, for early on Saturday morning they 
began to assemble. So I held the quarterly 
meeting and conference without the preacher. 

Brother Brooks thinking that I had not come, 
as I did not make my appearance at Oskaloosa, 
went on with his meeting as a quarterly meeting, 
and held quarterly conterence with what mem- 
bers he had. But, unfortunately, the quarterly 
conferences did not harmonize in their action. 
The one that I held refused to renew the license 
of a certain local preacher ; and the one he held 
renewed his license. We presented the case to 
Bishop Morris, and he decided that the quarterly 
conference held by the Presiding Elder was the 
legitimate one. 



104. KEMINISCENSES. 

This was the year of the great drouth, in 
which all our people suffered extremely. Had 
it not been for the liberality of the older States, 
our sufferings would liaye been beyond endur- 
ance. Mr. Hiatt, an eastern gentleman, made a 
tour of observation through the country, and 
sent back a stirring appeal for help. The call 
was heeded. Kelief societies were formed all 
through the east. Agents were appointed in 
Kansas to receive and distribute relief. Atchison 
was made the great emporium of distribution ; 
S. C. Pomeroy was made the general agent. 
The Presiding Elders of Kansas met, and sent 
out solicitors to the eastern churches; Milton 
Mahan was made their agent at Atchison. Pro- 
visions, clothing, and money, began to pour in, 
and were distributed to the needy. Dr. Davis 
obtained an appropriation, from the Missionary 
Board, of $1,0*00 for the benefit of the preachers. 

In view of the newness of the country, and 
the widespread desolation, it was thought that it 
would be too much of a burden for Manhattan 
to entertain the coming session of the conference. 
The Presiding Elders, after consultation, took 
the proper steps to change the place for holding 
the session from Manhattan to Atchison. 

During this year Dr. Davis had been devoting 



LEAA'ENAVOKTH CONFERENCK. 105 

;'his energies to the building up of Baker Uni- 
versity, and nobly had he succeeded, in the midst 
of diversiiied and multiplied difficulties. 

During all the year the political sky had been 
growing darker, and we all felt that the irre- 
pressible conflict was upon us. With such 
feelings we assembled together for our annual 
■ convocation, where, with subdued jet trusting 
spirits we greeted each other, and united in 
. singing, 

"And are we 3'et alive, 

And see each others' face," etc. 



CHAPTER YL 



ATCHISON COXFERENCE. 

The Conference met March 21, 1861. Bishop 
Morris was present at the opening exercises, and 
presided with his accustomed ability. H. D. 
Fisher was elected Secretary, and he was ap- 
pointed to nominate the Standing Committees. 

In his report he named the Presiding Elders 
and one man from each district as the Com- 
mittee on Missions. 

After he had read his report the Bishop re- 
;.marked, "It seems to me you have got a new 



106 . REMINISCENSES. 

faiiglecl arrangement in yuur nominations. It is- 
customary to appoint the Presiding Elders alone- 
as the Mission Committee. They only are com- 
petent, from their knowledge ot the work, to 
make a just distribution ot* the money." 

Brother Fisher replied, ''This is a Kansas- 
arrangement." But said the Bishop, "Kansas 
is Methodist soil, and I am here to maintai!i 
Methodist usages." 

Brother Malum at once moved to strike out 
all but the Presiding Elders, which motion pre- 
vailed. 

The General Conference met in May, and the 
changes asked for had been made. The Kansas- 
Conference was confined to the State, with the 
German work, known as the Missouri District 
of the Illinois Conference, and the Pocky Moun- 
tain District, attached. 

This session was the first at which the Ger- 
man brethren met with us, and they added much 
to the interest of our deliberation. It wjis in- 
teresting to witness how searching they were in 
the examination of character; how sharp and 
cutting in their remarks, pointing out what they 
considered to be error ; and yet how loving and 
kind, and how carefully and zealously they had 
carried out all the rules of the church. All the 



ATCHISON CONFERENCE. 107 

disciplinary collections liad been carefully taken, 
and distinctly reported, and they were all ex- 
ceedingly liberal. 

The constitutional term of L. B. Dennis, as 
Presiding Elder of Baldwin City District, having 
expired, Bishop Morris had considerable diffi- 
culty in manning the districts. Many of the late 
transfers were strong men ; some had been 
Presiding Elders in their old Conferences. Each 
strong man had his special friends, and they 
were urging the appointment of their respective 
favorites. 

The Bishop thought best, on the whole, not 
to make any change in the incumbents, but to 
"swap" the Presiding Elders of the Leavenworth 
and Baldwin City Districts. This did not give 
general satisfaction. The preachers could not 
see why any class of men should be kept in 
office for life. But such is human nature. Men 
are not inclined to give up power voluntarily. 

Bishop Hamlin was a noble exception to this 
rule. When his health failed so that he could 
not perform the duties of a Bishop, he volun- 
tarily, and against the advice of his friends, 
resigned the office. Principle and consistency 
should be carefully guarded, and uncompromis- 
ingly maintained at all times, and at all hazards. 



108 EEMINISCENSES. 

Brother H. H. Moore had been transferred 
from the Erie Conference to the Kansas and 
Nebraska Conference three years before. He 
was a strong full grown man. He had been 
stationed at Lawrence two years, but at this 
Conference he transferred back to his old home. 

G. W. Paddock had been transferred to this 
Conference three 3"ears before. The last year 
he had been stationed at Wyandotte. He was 
modest and retiring, but of sterling integrity and 
ability. He had been apiH)inted to preach the 
missionary sermon at this Conference, which he 
did to the admiration of all present. This ser- 
mon brought him out and set him so before the 
people, that the Leavenworth delegation said, 
'' Send us Brother Paddock as our preacher." 

At this Conference, amongother distinguished 
guests, was the venerable Charles Elliott, D. D., 
the veteran editor of the Central Christian Ad- 
vocate. He added much interest to the session 
by his counsel, sermons and addresses. 

The Tract Society, and the Sunday School 
Union, held their anniversaries in conjunction. 
H. H. Moore spoke strongly and eloquently in 
favor of the tract cause, and Dr. Davis in favor 
of the Sunday School Union. After both had 
advocated the claims of their respective societies, 



ATCHISON CONFERENCE. 109 

Dr. Elliott arose, and with his Irish wit and 
brogue, said about as follows : 

''I have hands, but I cannot walk on my 
hands ; I have feet, but I cannot shake hands 
with my feet ; I have eyes, but I cannot hear 
with my eyes ; I have ears, but I cannot see 
with ears ; I have a head, but I cannot stand on 
my head. But all these members in their proper 
place render me excellent service, and I could 
not well do without either of them. So with 
these institutions of the church." He then pro- 
ceeded to deliver a most powerful and impressive 
lecture. 

Grreat changes were made in the appoint- 
ments this year. The Conference was divided 
into seven Presiding Elders' Districts, and stood 
as follows : J. Shaw was made Presiding Elder 
ot Baldwin City District; J. Denison, of Man- 
hattan ; L. B. Dennis, of Leavenworth ; J. 
Chivington, of Rocky Mountain ; N. Taylor, of 
Wyandotte; James Feisel, of Kansas German ; 
C. Hidle, of St. Joseph German ; and Mark 
Robertson, of Ottumwa District. 

Never before did I go to an appointment 
under the same circumstances, and with the same 
feelings. The dark war cloud was widening and 
thickening. The sound of the gathering storm 



110 EEMINISCENSES. 

was borne on every breeze. Scarcely a meeting 
but some news of startling and thrilling interest 
was received. 

In December, 1860, South Carolina bad 
seceded, and declared herself out of the Union. 
Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and 
Louisiana had followed in January, 1861. Mis- 
souri, on our east, was nearly equally divided, 
with her Governor making every effort to take 
her out of the union. Arkansas was racked to 
her center, and filled with guerrilhi parties. The 
''jay-hawkers" of Kansas were active, vigilant 
and bold. The declared followers ot Jim Lane 
said they ''did not iear to steal a horse, or blush 
to ride the same." 

The members of the church could not remam 
calm in the midst of the strife. The preachers 
caught the spirit, and several of them, in re- 
sponse to the call for volunteers, enlisted and 
went out as recruiting officers, raised companies 
or regiments, and led them into the field. Others 
went as chaplains ; almost every family had 
some representative in the army. Truly these 
were times which "tried men's souls." 

My first quarterly meeting this year was on 
the Tecumseh work, held near Big Springs. At 
Tecumseh we had no church building, but a 



ATCHISON CONFERENCK. lH 

^ood tliriving societj, with several worthy mem- 
bers. Major Martin, who has since been Indian 
Agent, was then living there, and selling goods. 
He was the recording steward. Father Jordon, 
-an old local preacher, lived there, but was too 
feeble to preach. His strong faith and exemplary 
life were, however, exerting an excellent in- 
fluence in the community. 

Dr. D. Dickinson, from the Iowa Confer- 
ence, was employed as their supply this year. 
He afterwards transferred to this Conference.* 
He was a man of mature judgnient and exper- 
ience, and although feeble in health, was young 
and buoyant in spirit. He labored with all the 
vigor of youth. The church gathered permanency 
under his administration. He afterwards super- 
anuated, and for some time was State Librarian. 
Our next quarterly meeting was on the 
Auburn and Superior circuit. Mr. J. T. Griffin, 
was their preacher. The quarterly meeting was 
to be held at Superior. This was one of the 
towns that "was to be," but was not. The 
company had built a large house for a hotel, and 
that was about all that had been done. The 
hotel has since been converted into a cheese 
factory, and Burlingame has swallowed up the 

^ Now dead. 



112 KEMINISCENSES. 

town. Brother Sheldon, a brother of Sister,. 
Paddock, had settled near here on a farm. 
Brother Griffin was living on his farm, between 
Tecumseh and Topeka. After a comfortable- 
night's rest at his house, in company with him, 
we started for the quarterly meeting. We drove 
to Auburn, and stopped with Dr. Bonebrake for 
dinner. 

This commenced m}^ first acquaintance with 
the members of the church on the south side of 
the Kaw^ River, and I found them an interesting, 
warm hearted and noble people. We took din- 
ner with Sister Bonebrake, the Doctor being 
absent from home. We reached Superior that 
evening, and stopped with Brother Sheldon, and 
met a most cordial welcome. We readily saw 
the pastor had the confidence and sympathies 
of his people. The meeting was held in a house 
used as the school house. I tried to preach on 
Saturday, and hold quarterly conference, but was 
not able to be out Sunday morning on account 
ot a very painful gathering on one side of my 
face ; so Brother Griffin had to hold lovefeasty 
and preach at eleven o'clock. 

Monday morning the stewards met to arrange 
their finances. They were in the habit of set- 
tling with the preachers according to their 



ATCHISON CONFERENCE. 113 

respective claims, as the discipline directs. After 
the collection, and the amount received had been 
divided, I think the Presiding Elder's share was 
about thirtv-one cents. I told them they had 
better deposit that in the treasury until it ac- 
cumulated 

I would like to say here that I have always 
thought this provision of the discipline ought to 
be amended ; that while it was the duty of the 
Presiding Elder to look over the finances each 
quarter, to devise means to meet all the claims 
of the preachers, it was equally the duty ot the 
preachers to see that those measures were timely 
and properl}' employed, so that not only their 
own necessities should be provided for, but the 
Presiding Elder's claims be promptly met. I 
always felt when I was a circuit or stationed 
preacher, that if these claims were not reason- 
ably met, it was either my ' misfortune or fault; 
lor either of which I should not make my Pre- 
siding Elder responsible. But, says some one, 
"the Presiding Elder's claims are too high." If 
that be so it is not your fault, nor his, but the 
fault of the Estimating Committee, which is the 
place to apply the correction. But, if this is so 
for a time, it will correct itself ; for such things^ 
like water, will " seek their level." 



114 EEMINISCENSES. 

Thib charge was among the best in the Con- 
ference, embracing a good country, settled with 
intelligent, enterprising and cultured families 
from the older States. The church gradually 
spread, and became a power lor good in the 
land. 

This year, notwithstanding the many things 
to distract — the war and strife in the land — was 
a year of great spiritual prosperity. We had, in 
the fall, a glorious camp meeting. One conver- 
sion at this meeting was so striking that its 
recollection has never faded from my memory. 
It was in a family that tented on the ground, 
consisting ot husband and wife and her maiden 
sister. The husband was a member of the church, 
but the ladies were not. They had been brought 
up by pious parents, but neither professed re- 
ligion. They were talented, kind and amiable. 
They both came to 'the altar for prayers, and 
after a season of earnest, faithful prayer and 
self consecration, the sister was made happy in 
a Saviour's love. The married lady continued 
to pray, struggle, and agonize, until under the 
power of the Holy Ghost, her strength failed 
and she swooned away. Her friends became a 
little alarmed. Her husband and his friends 
carried her into the tent, and laid her on a bed ; 



ATCHISON CONFERENCE. 115 

a few of us gathered around her and knelt in 
silent prayer. A solemn awe rested on all pres- 
ent. Her lips were soon observed to move a 
little. Soon she opened her eyes and faintly 
ejaculated, "Sing." There was a moment's 
hesitation, when she spoke again with a stronger 
voice, "Sing." There being a little hesitation, 
she commenced to sing alone those beautiful 
words, and I tholight, with an angelic voice : 

" O, liappy day that fixed 013- choice." 
The company joined in, but she led through the 
hymn, and then clapped her hands for joy. The 
eifect was thrilling and overwhelming. All eyes 
were filled with tears. All hearts beat with joy, 
and every tongue moved with praise to God 
and the Lamb. The meeting closed by marching 
around the ground and shaking hands before 
parting. Such a halo of glory was shed on all 
present as is not forgotten in a lifetime. 

At Topeka, the church had not grown as 
might have been expected ; I believe this was 
the case with all the other churches. The 
Methodists had commenced to build a church, 
but had not yet inclosed it. They were wor- 
shipping in a rented room, and their own building 
on the stand still. The question of at least 
trying to inclose the building was brought up 



116 EEMINISCEJSSES. 

at each quarterly meeting, but each succeeding 
quarterly meeting found the matter just where it 
was at the first. It seemed almost impossible 
to do anything towards church building in these 
troublesome times. Brother Paulson was their 
preacher, and he succeeded well in getting a 
congregation, and holding the church firm in the 
midst of the national turmoil and strife. 



CHAPTEE yil. 



RUGGED EXPEDIENCES. 

Centropolis charge had Sheldon Parker as 
preacher, lie lived at Baldwin City. Of course, 
he could not do as much pastoral work as if he 
were living among his people, yet he attended 
to all his regular appointments and looked care- 
fully after all the interests of the church. 

Nothing special occurred this year. Father 
Still lived in the bounds of tliis circuit. He was 
one of the first Methodist preachers on Kansas 
soil. He was first sent as a missionary to the 
Indians, and afterwards made Presiding Elder. 
He was abundant in labors — of deep piety and 
strong faith. This year he was on the super- 
anuated list, and lived on his own farm. 



RUGGED EXPERIENCES. 117 

Clinton was one of the oldest charges in 
Kansas. It had a large and efficient member- 
ship, a good force of local preachers, and many 
old and experienced members. Father Wright, 
-a strong man, with commanding mind, but no 
education, lived on this charge, and was highly 
respected for his firmness and christian integrity. 
I afterwards knew him in Wathena, Doniphan 
County, where he had settled, and I found him 
the same warm hearted friend as before. He 
then told me that he learned to write after he 
was sixty years old. He has since crossed the 
stream of death and doubtless is safely harbored 
on the other shore. 

Mace Clow, who had formerly been a mem- 
ber of one of the eastern conferences, but had 
located, and moved to this section of the country, 
D. and J. Woodward, Wilkins and McCormick, 
local preachers, all lived on this circuit, and 
constituted a strong camp meeting force. 

We held a camp meeting this year, and it 
proved one of great benefit to the community ; 
but it was a little hard to manage at the first. 
Several of the brethren thought that not to 
grieve the spirit they must cast oif all restraints 
and follow the impulses of the moment. One 
brotlier was a little peculiar in this respect ; he 



lis EEMINISCENSES. 

believed in doing with liis might what he did. 
He was warm hearted, and ardent in his tem- 
perament, but a Httle eccentric in his exercises. 
"While all who knew him had confidence in his 
piety, yet the unconverted were sometimes 
amused by his actions. 

The first evening of the meeting, after preach- 
ing, we had an interesting and profitable prayer 
meeting; and, while there was a good state of 
interest, we thought best to close for the night. 
After the congregation had been dismissed and 
most of them had retired, some did not feel 
quite satisfied, and commenced singing again. 
After a while several got quite liappy. One 
brother shouted lustily. After waiting a reason- 
able time, I went out and told the brethren they 
had better dismiss and retire tor rest; that it 
was not best to expend all their amunition in 
the first charge. They quieted down for a time, 
and I retired. Again, praying, singing and 
shouting commenced. I went out again and 
told they must absolutely quiet down and keep 
still. If they did not want to sleep themselves, 
they must not prevent others from sleeping, for 
I feared that if we were kept awake all night we 
would have sleepj^ preaching and a sleepy con- 
gregation the next day. I finally succeeded in 



kugCtEd experiences. 119 

obtaining quiet and rest^ but some ol the brethren 
were a little tried with me. Thej thought their 
new Presiding Elder a little cold hearted, and. 
formal, and feared I was attempting to "steady 
the ark." 

The next day I talked with some of them 
about properly directing our efforts ; that while 
we labored to get our own souls tilled with love, 
joy and tire, we should not hoist the safety valve 
and let off steam in the open air, but with warm 
hearts, and burning zeal, we should work for the 
Master, and devote our renewed energies, lov- 
ingly, to bring sinners to the Saviour. .The 
advice, I think, had a good effect, for henceforth 
we labored harmoniously and had a pleasant 
and protitable time. Good order was maintained 
and faithful service performed. F. J. Ferrill 
was their pastor. He was early at his work, and 
faithiul in his labor, until he was taken away to 
supply another charge. Mace Clow tilled out 
the year. 

Monday morning we started for home ; about 
seventy miles distant. Two miles from town we 
had to cross a creek and ascend quite a hill. One 
of my horses, being balky, refused to go. I gave 
the lines to my wife, and got out and took hold 
of the bits to lead them up. The animal backed^ 



120 KEMINISCENSES. 

and cramped tlie buggy, which threw her out, 
and the buggy turned on top of her. I let go 
the bits to extricate her, when the horses started 
up the hilL The buggy righted up, the team 
taking a turn, leaped down a steep bank, struck 
into the road and took back for town. My wife 
was considerably, but not seriously, hurt. After 
she was sufficiently recovered to think it safe, I 
left her seated beside the road, on the buffalo 
robe, and went in pursuit of the team. 

I soon met a friend coming back witli them. 
They had kept the road directly for his house. 
He immediately jumped into the buggy and 
came in search of us. After he administered 
soothing medicine, my wife thought she could 
ride, so we nailed up the buggy where it was 
broken, and drove on. The next day we reached 
home, without further mishap. This was one of 
the memorable incidents of an itinerant's life in 
Kansas in those days. 

Going to another quarterly meeting, about 
five miles before we reached the place, we had 
to drive down a steep hill. It had thawed two 
or three inches deep, was very slippery, and 
there was a complete slush of mud and water. I 
feared to sit in the buggy and drive down, so I 
thought I would get out and walk beside it. I 



RUGGED EXPERIENCES. 121 

shad but just started at the top of the hill when 
•my feet slipped and I came down into the mud. 
■I did not, as the politician would say, "exactly 
define my position," for I came down the hill 
sitting square up, ploughing the mud from top 
to bottom. Such a looking object could be sel- 
dt)m seen — boots, pants, coat and overcoat 
-completely covered with mud. I scraped off the 
mud as best I could, and rode on. I stopped at 
a house and inquired of a sister if she could 
iurnish me some dry clothes. She at once 
brought me a pair of her husband's pants. But 
here was a difficulty — the husband was a small, 
short man, and I a six footer ; consequently I 
-found it very difficult to obtain admittance. But, 
after a while, I succeeded in drawing them on, 
'but they were too short at both ends. However, 
'by keeping an upright position, and not attemp- 
ting to bend, 1 managed to wait until my own 
pants were dried, brushed and made ready for 
use. When I came to make the change again 
I met with another difficult}' that reminded me 
■ of the time when I was a boy, and had outgrown 
my clothes. What work I had to get the shrunken 
pants over my lieels ! Bat by unbuttoning the 
waistbands and turning them down, I succeeded 
dn getting them oif, like skinning a squirrel. I 



122 EEMINISCENSES. 

got 111}' own pants on, and, physically, was- 
ready for quarterly meeting. 

Franklin circuit had B. C. Dennis as pastor. 
The headquarters of this charge were live miles 
below Lawrence. This was the place where one 
of the border ruffian battles was fought, between 
the ruffians and Jim Lane's forces. The bullet 
holes in an old house were to be seen where one 
of the armies took shelter. The year before a 
difficulty sprung up between some local preach- 
ers, which operated unfavorably against the 
interest of the church. One had withdrawn, 
and another, who was an ordained deacon at 
the last quarterl}' conference, was refused the 
passage of his character. So he stood among 
them an ordained deacon, without a good char- 
acter. 

I told them, to be consistent, they should 
prefer charges against him and either prove him 
guilty or clear him. This they refused to do, 
I laid the matter before the Bishop, and asked 
him what should be done in such a case. '' Let 
them suffer the consequences of their own folly," 
was his reply. 

At Franklin we iiad the shell of an old 
meeting house — '' balloon" frame— sided with. 
Cottonwood siding. At one of my quarterly 



KUGGED EXPERIENCES. 123- 

meetings, in a wind storm, I looked for the old 
building to go down over our heads. Under the 
force of the wind the sides sprung in and out, 
like an old horse with the heaves. But we 
passed unhurt. Brother Dennis labored faith- 
fully, but little apparent good w^as effected ; the 
bread w^as cast upon the water, whether it was 
ever gathered or not. 

Baldwin City was to be supplied by Dr. 
Davis, which he did, during the summer, in 
addition to his duties as President of Baker 
University. But m the fall he was elected to 
the State Legislature, and Prof. T. A. Parker 
supplied the rest of the year. In and around 
Baldwin City many excellent, well tried, and 
long proved Methodist families had settled. 
Dennis Willie, who had once been a member of 
the Ohio Conference, was settled here, and 
selling goods, and deeply interested in the pros- 
perity of Baker University. Although he was 
old, he was yet vigorous ; age to him had 
brought wisdom, and an excellent reputation. 
His mind w^as stored with interesting anecdotes, 
and seemed an unfailing fountain of knowledge. 
The reminiscences of other days seemed fresh in 
his memory. He could talk from sunrise to 
sundown, and from sundown to bed time, and 



124 KEMINISCENSES. 

never talk nonsense. Much did I prize his 
society, and listened to his conversation with 
o^reat interest. But his venerable form has been 
laid away in the dust, while his noble spirit is 
doubtless with tlie redeemed on hi^h. Dr. Dallas 
was living near here ; a staunch friend, and 
active member of the church. It would require 
a volume to write even a brief history of all the 
excellent members in and around Baldwin City. 
Suffice it to say, they were a noble people. 

We held a camp meeting here this year. It 
was a time of great quickening, and I trust of 
lasting benefit to all present. Brother L. B. 
Dennis, of the Leavenworth District, was here, 
and labored with all the vigor, and energy of 
former days. News reached us at this meeting 
that our army, which had gone south under the 
command of ColonelJohnson, had been defeated, 
and the rebels were on their way to Kansas. 
Colonel Johnson's wife and her sister were at 
the meeting. Some thought we had better close 
the meeting and form a regiment, and with hoes, 
broomsticks, and pitchforks, if we could get no 
other weapons, go and drive them from our soil. 
But the news was soon contradicted, and the 
meeting went on as usual. 

Several refugees came in from Missouri ; 



RUGGED EXPERIENCES. 125 

among tliem one or two preachers. One related 
an amusing incident: "Several 'bushwhackers,' 
who were dressed so as to recognize each other, 
made a raid on a village tor plunder. The in- 
habitants rallied, and drove them from the 
town, and so closely did they corner them up, 
that they were obliged to fly to the woods in 
every direction. The mark by w^hich they were 
to know each other, was a blue stripe along the 
outside seam of their pants. One poor fellow, 
that he might not be detected by the citizens, 
took his knife and cut the blue stripe off, not think- 
ing that in so doing he tore open his pants, and 
with them buttoned around his waist, the legs 
flying behind, he went leaping through the brush, 
until overtaken and captured by his pursuers." 

It was astonishing what an influence the war 
spirit had on the community. Brother Steward, 
one of the preachers, had enlisted and gone into 
the army as captain. Brother Taylor had been 
in the army a few days, and was on the point of 
leaving his work and accepting a chaplain's or 
colonel's commission. He was at this meeting 
a short time, but the "king's business required 
haste," hence he could not stay. The meeting 
continued several days, and wound up with. 



126 KEMINISCENSES. 

glorious results. On the whole, it was a grand 
success. 

Lawrence, being settled with eastern people, 
and considered a Yankee town, was particularly 
objectionable to the pro-slavery border ruffians. 
Early had they visited their wrath upon the 
town and burned down the line hotel. Yet 
Yankee persistence held on, and a finer building 
was erected on the ground. The church was 
planted here in an early day, and steps taken to 
erect a house of worship. An agent had been 
sent abroad to solicit aid. Funds had been col- 
lected, and a church erected. Lovejoy and 
Blackford had figured in this enterprise. The 
church was badly located, and n5t very prepos- 
sessing in appearance. It was on a back street, 
in close proximity to a livery stable, and 
fiat and squatty in shape. I never could imag- 
ine why a Yankee should build such a church ; 
yet it answered a purpose. H. H. Moore had 
been stationed here the two preceding years. 
H. D, Fisher was located here this year, but 
he had hardly time to get fairly under way, 
when he took the war fever, and went into the 
army as chaplain. F. J. Ferrill was taken to fill 
out the year. Brother Ferrill was a genial, 
cheerful, and hopeful man, who did not believe 



RUGGED EXPERIENCES. 127 

in drying out a gloomy existence with the blues, 
but that it was best to "laugh and grow fat." 
May the clouds never darken his cheeful visage. 
This was my first acquaintance with Meth- 
odism in Lawrence, and there are many pleasant 
reminiscences connected therewith. I found 
here many excellent families ; the two Duncans — 
Charles and Wesley — were among my kindest 
friends, and while I live I shall remember their 
hospitality and liberality. Their house was 
freely made my home, and here I found rest and 
refreshment. 

The church here, the present year, did not 
more than hold its own. Such was the war 
excitement, that for the present, it absorbed 
every other interest. Several officers were quar- 
tered here during the winter, and recruiting was 
constantly going on. The roughs who followed 
the army were gathered here in abundance, so 
that the floating population was not of a desir- 
able character. 

I reached Lawrence for my fourth quarterly 
meeting Friday night, and drove up to Charles 
Duncan's. My wife being with me, we stopped for 
the night, run my buggy up close to the house, 
put my horses in the barn, and supposing all 
was safe, at the proper time retired to rest. 



128 KEMINISCENSES. 

Judge of iny surprise, to Und in tlie morning,, 
that during the night some one had entered the 
stable, took one of mv horses and Brotlier 
Duncan's horse, put m}' harness on them, hitched 
to mj buggy, and drove off and no trace could 
be got ot them. 

We went through the exercises of the meet- 
ing as well as we could, and Monday morning 
began to look about for some mode of reaching 
home. I was here with my wife, fifty miles from 
home, and no waj^ of conveyance. Railroads 
were unknown in Kansas then, and we had only 
a little pony, with no harness, or buggy, saddle 
or bridle. By chance, we learned that Brother 
Moore, chaplain in the army, and home on a 
furlough, had in his possession a horse that he- 
wished to send to White Cloud. So we arranged 
to take him, and borrowing a buggy and harness 
from Brother Ferrill, we were soon rigged out 
for our journey. 

But, here another difficult met us — the ice 
in the river was breaking up and not sufficiently 
strong to cross on. Our only alternative wa& 
to go up the river until we reached a point where 
the ice was stronger. When we reached Te- 
cum seh, we found the}^ had been crossing on the 
ice. We hired a man to help us, and taking the 



RUGGED EXPERIENCES. 129 

horses from the buggj, he leading one and I the 
other, my wife following on foot, we succeeded 
in crossing safely. In going out on the north 
side the ice broke, but we made the shore in 
safety. The man then went back and drew the 
buggy over a little further down. We hitched 
up, paid the man a dollar and went on. 

This was our last quarterly meeting for the 
year, and we were preparing for our Annual 
Conference, which was to meet at Wyandotte. 

By an arrangement between the Presiding 
Elders of Leavenworth and Baldwin City Dis- 
tricts, each was to attend the Ministerial Associa- 
tions ol the other. One ot the associations for 
Leavenworth District was held at Monrovia. 

At this meeting a Brother Campbell, a Pres- 
byterian minister, and agent for the American 
Bible Society, was present, and read an essay 
on ''Paul's thorn in the flesh," claiming that 
it was opthalmia or blindness. This essay was 
pretty severely criticised, and drew out the 
opinions of most of the members, and these 
opinions were about as varied as there were 
individuals. One brother, who was a dyspeptic, 
verily thought that Paul's thorn in the flesh was 
nothing more or less than the dyspepsia. 

The writer read an essay on "Ministerial 



130 REMINISCENSES. 

Zeal." Perhaps this subject was given him to 
warm up his own energy. 

G. W. Paddock served them faithfully and 
profitably at Leavenworth City. This charge 
did not suffer by the war, Hke many other places. 
Being so near the Fort, where vast armies were 
gathered, equipped and sent into the field, it 
made money plenty and business lively. The 
church shared the general prosperity, and under 
the faithful labors of its able and zealous pastor, 
they enjoyed a good degree of prosperity. 

B. F. Bowman, one of the first preachers in 
Kansas, both in respect to time, faithfulness, 
self denying labor, and usefulness, w^as appointed 
to Lancaster. This charge was never very well 
organized, and it suffered this year greatly by 
the war. All its societies were weakened, and 
it required much patience and perseverance to 
keep up "a religious interest. 

L. D. Price was appointed to White Cloud and 
Sabetha, taking in Hiawatha, the county seat of 
Brown County, where he succeeded in organizing 
a class and establishing a regular appointment. 
This place has since grown to considerable im- 
portance, and the church has so prospered that 
they have had a stationed preacher of their own 
several years. 



KUGGED EXPERIENCES. 131 

I. F. Collins was appointed to Oskaloosa. 
Here, too, the effect of the war was terrible. 
Many of its citizens had gone into the army, and 
some had fallen on the field of battle, and others 
had rallied to fill their places whose blood was 
calling loudly for vengeance on the rebellion, and 
general excitement prevailed. Brother Collins, 
with characteristic judgment, held a steady hand 
on the helm of the church, counseling and 
guiding her safely through the storm. 

O. B. Gardner was returned the second year 
to Wathena, but the nauie of the charge was 
changed to Elwood and Columbus. An exciting 
incident occurred this year at Wathena : One 
night the rebels raised a large pole and hung on 
it the confederate flag. In the morning the 
citizens, to their mortification, saw the rebel Hag 
floating over their heads. Quite a company 
gathered around the pole, on which was written, 
in large, legible letters, ''Death to the man that 
takes down this flag.'- 

A proposition was made for some one to take 
it down, but no one seemed willing to undertake 
the job, fearing they might be shot by some fiend 
in secret. Brother Gardner remarked, with 
characteristic lirmness : •'! am unwilling to sit 
down under this degrading insult, and if there is 



182 REMINISCENSES. 

no other man to do it, I will tear down that 
insulting rag.'' He laid off his coat and boots, 
and deliberately ascended the pole, tore the flag 
from its position, and returned in triumph, with- 
out harm, amid the shouts of applause that burst 
forth from the excited multitude. This was 
characteristic of the man. He was fearless in 
tlie discharge of his duty to his country, and 
his God. 

Brother Makan was returned to Atchison the 
second year. He stayed but a few weeks, and 
then transferred to one of the Indiana Confer 
ences. The Presiding Elder supplied the place 
with Brother Wentz, of the Missouri Conference. 
He gave general satisfacti(m, but the church was 
on the decline. The effect of the war was de- 
creasing its numbers and financial ability. Early 
in the year a tremendous storm came very near 
demolishing the church builaing. It racked it 
so that the plastering over head, and on the 
ends was nearly all broken off, and the building 
so shaken that they had to place four large props 
on the east side, running from the eaves to the 
ground, some fifteen feet from the base. This 
gave it a very awkward appearance, and some 
said, "the Methodist Church was failing from 
grace." But, amid all the discouragements, 



WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. 133 

Brother Wentz labored faithfally during the 
year, and with some success. 



CHAPTER YIIL 



WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. 

JSTever did I go to Conference under as dark 
a ch^ud as I went to this. The year liad been 
one of severe trial and conflict. "We had to 
endure what seemed to us adverse and trying 
providences, and but for the occasional sunshine 
of the spirit, the presence of the Master, and 
the evident success that attended our labor, we 
would have sunk under the burden. But these 
were as green spots on the desert. Our only 
son, Frank, who was barely old enough, had 
enlisted in the army, and with all my patriotism, 
I found it exceedingly difficult to yield my con- 
sent. When I did, it was like following him to 
the grave. 

When the Conference met, the regiment to 
which he belonged was camped a short distance 
above W3'andotte, but had orders to move the 
next day to Shawneetown. As the army passed 
by, I went out to bid him a final farewell. I 
stood until his company passed, but did not 



134 REMINISCENSESl 

see him. I then inquired of the Captain for him. 
He told me he was not there, and had not been 
seen that day, making the impression that he 
had deserted. Tliis sliocked me more tlian his 
enlisting. Brother Price, and another brother, 
followed the army to Shawneetown to ascertain 
the facts. They found him there, all right. He, 
w4th others, had been detailed to guard the bag- 
gage wagon. Charity prompts me to think the 
Captain did not know this. 

Bishop Simpson was present at the Confer- 
ence to preside, but in feeble health. He gave 
the Committee on Public Worship notice that 
he could not preach during the Conference. So 
when the appointment for preaching on Sunday 
was read, the writer's name stood for eleven 
o'clock. This was a great surprise to me, but I 
resolved not to back out, but do the best I could. 
I selected a subject, and tried to prepare as best 
I could in the short time left, and thought I had 
a pretty good skeleton — if I could only put on the 
flesh, the spirit would breathe lite into it. 

In making the attempt, the flesh was de- 
ficient, and the spirit did not come. I gave but 
a little more than the outline, and a brief filling 
up. I never before felt the "weight" of a 
Bishop, or the close fit of a straight jacket, and 



.WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. 135 

concluded tliat prudence was the better part of 
valor, and that it was best to close, and thus 
secure at least one merit, that of brevity. So I 
closed in " short meter." This took the Bishop 
somewhat by surprise, as he was sitting very 
leisurely and composedlj^, not just ready to pro- 
ceed with the further exercises. He soon ralhed, 
however, found his place, and proceeded with 
the ordination. 

A matter came up at this Conference that 
created a little excitement, as such matters 
always must do. A resolution was introduced 
requesting the Bishop not to appoint any man 
Presiding Elder who had been on a district four 
years in succession. All the Presiding Elders 
who came under the rule, voted for the resolu- 
tion, and all those who wanted to be Presiding 
Elders, of course, voted for it. So it was passed 
by a large majority. 

This resolution was evidently designed to 
open the way for certain individuals whose em- 
inent talents and qualification for the office had 
been overlooked. It is really a pity that the 
office of Bishop cannot give the man more 
knowledge in making such appointments, for it 
must be evident to every discerning mind, that 
no man, whatever his ability, can be Presiding 



136 REMINISCENSES. 

Elder for a long number of years in succession 
without suffering material and lasting loss. 
First, lie becomes disqualified for the regular 
pastoral work, which is the pleasantest part of a 
minister's business. Second, he is deprived of 
the privilege of that regular consecutive study 
wdiich is necessar}^ lor enlarged views and great 
variety of subjects, and he is almost certain to 
fall into ruts, and become contracted in his 
amount of matter, and fail to give interest and 
effect to his sermons. Third, he always 
looses, to a greater or less extent, the sympathies 
of the people and preachers, and never escapes 
becoming a subject of jealousy, as cruel as death, 
and will finally end in defeat. This, I believe, 
the Bishops understand, and they can make the 
correction wdth much less friction than if the 
Annual Conferences elected the Pi-esiding Elders. 

Recruiting for the war had been going on all 
the year. A regiment had been raised in Col- 
orado, and John M. Chivington had gone in as 
Major. In an engagement between his regiment 
and the Texas Rangers, the latter were com- 
pletely defeated, leaving many of their dead on 
the field, among whom were some of the mur- 
derers of Anthony Buley, the Methodist preacher 
who had been cruelly hung by a Texas mob. 



WYANDOTTE CONFEEENCE. 1862. 137 

The Conference receiving no commnnication from 
Brother Chivington, did not know what dij^sposi- 
tion to make of his case, so thej voted him a 
location. This was doubtless illegaL It was 
•done, however, without anj^ disrespect lor 
Brother Chivington ; the case was new, and 
they thought they must give liim some definite 
i-eUition. 

At the close of the (conference, the districts 
were manned by Presiding Elders as follows: 
Leavenw^orth District, L. D. Rice ; Baldwin 
City, AV. R. Davis ; Manhattan, J. Dennison ; 
Mound City, Mark Robertson ; Rocky Moun- 
tain, B. C. Dennis ; Kansas German, C. Stein- 
ley ; St. Joseph German, C. Heidel. James 
Shaw was appointed to Atchison. 

As I turned my face towards home, I began 
to breathe more freely. I felt that a great 
burden had been rolled from \nj shoulders — if 
not the care of all the churches, at least the 
-care of the district. I turned my attention 
toward Atchison — how best I could serve the 
Master and build up his cause among the people. 

On reaching home 1 looked around, and 
now confess, that for a moment I felt a little 
discouraged, and on going into the church was 
iiot very much relieved. My eyes beheld the 



138 REMINISCENSES. 

bare lathing over head, on either side, and ii> 
front, more visible than the ribs of an old super- 
annuated horse, and the building held up by 
props on the outside. The society was weak in. 
numbers and financial ability ; although my pre- 
decessor had been able and faithful, he could 
not build up the walls in these troublesome- 
times. On the church records was written op- 
posite many names, '^ Enlisted in the army." 

Brother S. Gard was here, and soon after I 
commenced, D. C. Newcomb came, with a letter 
from Leavenworth. They were both young 
men, engaged in clerking. Of these young men 
I have spoken in another chapter. Brother Mas- 
ters was here, and T. B. Davis came about this 
time. J. C. Keisner was keeping a hotel, 
"sleeping and eating" wayworn travelers, and 
this he did so blandly that no one complained. 
After counting all we could not find enough male 
members to form a full Board of Stewards. Sa 
we concluded to appoint a committee of the 
members of the congregation to act with the 
stewards in looking after the finances. J. C. 
McCully, David Auld, Ephraim Butcher and A» 
B. McQueen were appointed on that committee. 
McQueen was a member of the United Presb}-- 
terian Church, but a regular attendent upon our 



WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. 1S9> 

services, as that denomination had no organiza- 
tion here. He was faithful and efficient in all 
the interests of the church. When the Presby- 
terians organized here he went with them, as 
more congenial with his feelings. 

The first service 1 held this year was a 
funeral. The son ot J. C. Auld, who lived in 
the country, had died, and they brought him to 
Atchison for interment. At first view of the 
condition of things I was almost ready to con^ 
elude I might as well preach a funeral sermon 
for the church ; but, remembering the word of 
Him who said, " Lo, I am with you always, even 
unto the end of the world," I resolved to buckle- 
on afresh the armor, and go forth in the cause 
of the Master. 

Although there was occasional sunshine, the- 
clouds did not immediately disperse, and some- 
times it grew darker and more threatening. 
Early in the season, a severe hail storm broke 
every window on the west side and south end of 
the house. How to replace them I knew not. 
But here Brother McQueen came to our aid, and 
proposed, as he was a painter and glazier, to da 
the work if we would furnish the material, which 
I did, with the assistance of a few friends, and 



140 REMINISCENSES. 

the work of resetting and frosting was clone, and 
we thanked God and took courage. 

In the summer, the Thirteenth Regiment of 
Kansas Volunteers was raised, and Brother 
Davis enlisted. Weak as the church was, this 
was felt to be a great loss. But trusting in the 
strong arm of God for help, I held on. Soon 
the spiritual interest began to revive. We had 
a noble " Brotherhood of Sisters," who stood 
firm, and were active in the cause of the Master. 
Sister Orookham, who has since died and gone 
to her home in heaven, although in feeble health 
and not able to labor much, was very valuable 
in counsel, deeply interested in the welfare of 
the church, and liberal in its support. Her 
sister, Eliza Auld, who lived with her, was 
always on hand and ready for every good work, 
and by her presence and prayers held up the 
hands of the "Heralds of the Cross." Sally 
McCully was firm, faithful and ever at her post 
of duty ; Sister Milton, patient and prompt ; 
Sister Hews trusting, zealous and hopeful ; Sister 
Crowell warm in her affections for the church, 
and untiring in her efforts for its welfare ; Sister 
Reisner quiet, yet active, and liberal ; Sister 
Davis buoyant in spirit, energetic and confident 
in the cause of the Master; Sister Emler, as 



WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. — 1862. 141 

regular as the sun at her post of duty. Witlx 
such a band of Christian laborers, I soon felt 
that failure was out ol the question, and to doubt 
was sin. Soon the effect of their prayers and 
faith became visible in the reviving influence in 
the church. 

The Sunday School had been prospering, 
under the superin tendency of W. M. Davies. He 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church, but 
as they had no services, he was acting with us. 
He, however, desired to be released from the 
charge of the school, and Brother Gard was 
appointed Superintendent. 

Sister Phelps, who had been absent visiting 
the hospitals and laboring for the sick and 
wounded soldiers, returned, and entered with 
her accustomed zeal and ability, into the service 
of the Sunday School, for which work she was 
peculiarly adapted. She rendered valuable ser- 
vice, inspiring new zeal and confidence in alL 

About this time, Mr. Parker, with his family^ 
moved into Atchison. He was a member of the- 
Congregational Church, and she of the Metho- 
dist Church. I made their acquaintance and 
found Mrs. Parker a sister of one of my old 
friends in Michigan, Willard McConnell, of 
Pontiac. Brother McConnell had helped me to- 



142 REMINISCENSES. 

build the first Metliodist Church in Pontiac, 
before he was a member. He was one of the 
leading merchants ot the place. I knew him 
until he was soundly converted in heart and a 
member of the church. He was one ot its lead- 
ing members, and since has been a reserve lay 
-delegate to the General Conference, and I have 
always been proud to count him among my fast 
friends. When I learned that Mrs, Parker was 
a sister of his, 1 felt as if I had met with an old 
^nd familiar friend, and this feeling has con- 
tinued. Sister Parker has been prominent in 
the Methodist Church, while Brother Parker 
has been an active member of the Congrega- 
tional Church. So harmonious are they in their 
-church relations that one could hardly tell to 
which church they belonged. They alternately 
attend each and liberally support both. 

The spiritual interests of the Methodist 
Church being on the rise, I thought it advisable 
to attempt some repairs on the building. I 
proposed to tear oft' the lath on the end of the 
house, board it up with square edged lumber, 
^nd lath and plaster over this. I consulted a 
mechanic, and he said that could be done, and 
it would abundantly brace and secure the build- 
ing. "But," said he, "you cannot raise the 



WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. • 143 

Miieans to do it." I replied, " We can try. How 
much will you give?" '^ Fifteen dollars," said 
lie. I circulated a subscription, and secured 
nearly enough to purchase the niateiial, and then 
proposed to raise the balance by a fair, after the 
work was done. In a short time the work was 
.accomplished, the props taken down and made 
into fire wood to warm the church, and every 
one seemed to rejoice. The lair came off and 
"was a grand success. More than enough was 
realized to meet all the expense. 

Sister Crowell took it into her head that we 
needed a new carpet for the aisles and altar, but 
the committee lor the fair feared it would involve 
too much expense. She proposed to purchase 
the carpet and put it down without drawing on 
the fair money, if they would give her the priv- 
ilege, to which they readily consented. "But," 
said one, "where will you get the money?" 
Slapping her hand on her pocket, and with a 
twinkle of the eye, she replied, "I have got it 
there, already." In canvassing for the fair, she 
had presented the matter of the carpet as a 
«eperate item, and obtained sufficient for the 
purpose. So the carpet was put down and all 
were delighted. 

During the winter we had a pleasant time. 



144 EEMINISCENSES. 

The liouse was comfortable, the congregation 
respectable, and the membership united and 
active, and, on the whole, we had a successful 
year. Although the times were hard, our Mis- 
sionary Committee succeeded in gathering up 
quite a respectable sum for the mission cause. 
The 3'ear was drawing to a close, and the war 
was still raging, with no prospect of an imme- 
diate close. I began to feel a strong inclination 
to enter the army myself. With this view, I 
requested the Presiding Elder, at the approach- 
ing Conterence, to give me a less responsible 
appointment, so that if I should leave during" 
the year the church w^ould not suffer too much. 

Dr. Davis commenced his work in the dis- 
trict, but continued only about half the year, 
when he left and went into the army as chaplain. 
Strange Brooks filled out the year as Presiding 
Elder. 

G. W. Paddock was returned the second year 
to Leavenworth, where he succeeded not only in 
maintaining a large congregation, but in building 
up the interest of the society, and in collecting 
a large amount of money to finish the church. 
The work was completed, and the church dedi- 
cated this year, D. P. Mitchell, of the Pittsburg 
Conference, officiating. 



WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. 145 

I. F. Collins was returned the second time to 
Oskaloosa. Early in the year he was called to 
lay down the christian ci'oss, and take the 
victor's crown. He was in good health at Con- 
ference ; active and efficient in all its business. 
He received his appointment gladly, returned to 
it cheerfully, and entered upon his duties en- 
couragingly. But the Master said, '' It is enough; 
come up higher I *' and he replied feebly, with 
his dying breath, '' near home." 

Brother ColHns was a paragon of neatness in 
his person ; patient and persevering in his labor ; 
cheerful and hopeful in his spirit ; decided and 
Urm in his opinions ; ever ready to give a reason 
for the hope that was in him, and in every way 
a cultured cliristian gentleman. Wherever he 
was appointed, he rendered good service tor the 
church. I knew him long, and knew him well — 
knew him while in Michigan, labored with him 
side by side, both in Michigan and Kansas, and 
never knew him to falter in the cause of the 
Master. Dr. B. D. Dickinson was employed to 
fill out the year at Oskaloosa. 

B. F. Bowman w^as appointed to Palermo. 
This was one of the cities that was to be, but 
never was. The charge was w^eak, and the 
support poor. Surely these were times that 



146 EEMINISCENSES. 

'' tried men's souls," and showed what kind ot 
stuff they were made of. Methodist preachers 
then received their appointments as trom the 
hand of God, not stopping to think whether the 
charge would pay them or not ; but relying on 
God and the liberality of the people, they did 
their work with singleness of heart, obeying the 
command, " Trust in the Lord and do good," 
and believing the promise, '' So shalt thou dwell 
in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." 

Doniphan does not appear this year in the 
ministry. Troy had been abandoned as a 
preaching place, and connected with Doniphan, 
made a charge ; as it was the county seat, the 
charge took the name of Troy. Abraham Ben • 
nett, a local preacher, was employed as their 
;supply. He served them efficiently, and suc- 
<jeededin making Troy a permanent appointment. 
Monrovia appears this year for the first time, 
on the minutes, as an appointment, with L. F. 
Walden as their preacher. This took in Sumner. 
Brother Walden left Missouri the year before on 
account of the war troubles, and took refuge in 
Kansas. In many places in Missouri a Metho- 
dist preacher's life was in danger. He was a 
faithful and successful laborer, and had some 
revivals this year. 



CONFEEENCE AT LAWRENCE. 14:7 

0. B.Gardner was appointed to Wliite Cloud. 
During, the summer a large portion of his mem- 
bers went into the army. Brother Gardner being 
a favorite with them, thev desired that he should 
go with them as chaplain. They petitioned the 
Colonel to that effect; but another man had placed 
the Colonel under obligation, by helping him 
to his position, so he got the appointment, 
and Brother Gardner continued his labors taith- 
fully throughout the year. 

The time for the meeting of the Conterence 
was drawing near, and I was preparing to go up 
to our annual convocation, to look over the 
past and arrange tor the future. 



CHAPTER IX. 



CONFERENCE AT LAWRENCE. 

March 11, 1863, Bishop Ames opened the 
session with the usual religious exercises. The 
business was conducted in a somewhat novel 
•style. Each preacher, as his name was called 
lor examination of character, was requested to 
give a representation of his charge, its spiritual 
and financial condition, its present wants and 
its future prospects. This gave the Bishop a 



148 EEMINISCENSES. 

clear insight into the state of the church. The 
business of the Conference was harmonious, and 
generally pleasant, with but little trictiou. 

A brother, who had been a member of our 
Conference, but who had transferred awa_y, and 
located to get back, made application for re- 
admission. The same brother had been before 
the Conference a year ago, at Wj^andotte, knock- 
ing for admission, but Brother Collins raised a 
little objection, and he was not received, Thi& 
year, his friends stated that he had been doing 
well as a local preacher. I felt it my duty to 
say that we all knew the brother very well, and 
believed that he had some elements in his char- 
acter that disqualified him for a successful mem- 
ber of the Conference ; as he had been doing 
well as a local preacher, we had better let well 
enough alone. His application was rejected. 

On going to my boarding house for dinner, 
the brother followed me, and seemed consider- 
ably excited, and wished to know what I had 
against him, that I should oppose him in Con- 
ference. I replied, in substance, that 1 did not 
know that it would be for his benefit, or that it 
was my duty to explain all my objections to 
him. I would frankly say, however, that I did 
not think him a proper person for a traveling 



CONFEKENCE AT LAWRENCE. ltl:9 

preacher, and, bj the vote of the Conference, it 
appeared that the brethren were of the same 
opinion. He remarked that God's judg-ments 
had been visited on the Conference the past 
year, for rejecting him, and they would follow 
the Conference this year. This remark, as I 
understood it, was in reference to the death ot 
Brother Collins ; but it did not alarm me much, 
as I had acted in good conscience. 

It is unpleasant to vote against the reception 
of a candidate into an Annual Conference. Yet, 
we cannot shirk the responsibility, without doing 
injustice to the man, and an injury to the church. 
I have sometimes thought that there was a laxity 
in some of the Conferences on this point. I 
have known candidates presented, and voted in, 
<;ontrar3^ to the honest judgment of the majority 
of the ministers, they thinking, perhaps, that 
they had better err on the side of leniency 
than otherwise. I have known these same men, 
thus voted in, to continue from year to year 
under embarrassment, and their charges, every 
year suffering, until it became necessary for the 
Conference to invite them to locate. It would 
have been better for them to have been rejected 
at the first, than to have been elevated, and then 
let down ; for the higher you elevate a man, the 



150 REMINISCENSES. 

further be has to fall, and the greater the shock 
on landing. It would have been much better 
for them to have been rejected at the first, that 
they might engage in some legitimate business, 
form purposes, and lay plans for future life, and 
prove a success in the v^orld. It would have 
been better for the church ; for while they were 
occupying places that from year to year were 
suffering and running down under them, others, 
truly called of God to this work, would have 
filled those places with honor to themselves, 
profit to the church, and the glory of the Master. 
Prompt, conscientious action, kindly performed, 
is better for all concerned. 

At this Conference D. P. Mitchell was trans- 
ferred from the Pittsburg to the Kansas Con- 
ference, and stationed at Leavenworth. Under 
his administration the church increased in num- 
bers, influence and financial abilit3^ After 
meeting all their expenses, and contributing 
liberally to all the Conference collections, they 
sent to Conference one hundred dollars as mis- 
sionary money. 

Brother Denison's time as Presiding Elder 
on the Manhattan District had expired, and N, 
Taylor was appointed in his place. 

Governor Carney had signified his desire to 



CONFERENCE AT LAWRENCE. 151 

have one more chaplain to fill a vacancy in a 
regiment, and wislied the Conference to recora'- 
mend one of its members. Several consulted 
with me about accepting the appointment, and 
after due deliberation and counsel, I consented 
to do so if the appointment should be made. I 
received mj. appointment, b}^ the Bishop, to 
Hiawatha, with this understanding. 

Letting the matter rest here, I went to my 
work as usual. In a few days I received a 
commission from the Governor as chaplain of 
the Xinth Kegimeut of Kansas Volunteer Cav- 
alry, with a request that I should report to my 
regiment at my earliest convenience. I wrote 
at once to the Colonel, inquiring for his head- 
quarters, to which I njight report for duty. He 
replied that he had no headquarters at that time, 
saying his regiment was on detail duty, and so 
divided up, that there were no two companies 
together, consequently there was no special 
work for a chaplain, but as soon as they were 
concentrated, he would call, me to duty. Not 
wishing to lay around camp idle, I concluded to 
continue in pastc^ral v/ork. 

Things thus continued through the summer, 
and early winter, which brought us near Con- 
ference time. I concluded not to go to the army 



152 EEMINISCENSES. 

until after Conference. My field of labor was a 
very pleasant one, and I made several valuable 
and interesting acquaintances which I shall 
never forget. 

At Hiawatha, I found Brotlier Sellog, an 
exhorter, and a brother capable of being a 
preacher. He kept the principal hotel in the 
place, and though engaged in this business, he 
was not afraid to talk on religious subjects, or 
slow to manifest a decided interest in the pros- 
perity of the church. He gave liberally of his 
own means, and labored zealously to induce 
others to do the same, that the church might 
become a power in their town. He had the 
pleasure of witnessing, in this respect, the desire 
ot his heart. 

At Robinson, we had a good class of old and 
well tried Methodists ; Brother Chase, one of 
the first settlers of Kansas; Brother Carroll and 
his wife, from the factories of Connecticut, with 
their eastern culture and refinement ; Father 
Slagal, and the Swazies from Ohio — descendants 
of one of the noblest old Methodist preacher's 
of Ohio's early day — Elder Swazie. All these 
united in pushing forward the victories of the 
cross. 

At Kennekuk, I had an appointment, but 



CONFERENCE AT LA^VEENCE. 153 

not many members. The preaching phice was 
about half a mile out of town. Here I gathered 
quite a congregation. At this point I made the 
acquaintance of Dr. Merwin. He was not a 
member of any church, but a very friendly man, 
and his wife a superior, christian lady. They 
made their house my home. 

I was called upon, at Kennekuk, to marry a 
couple, but after we had assembled, and all 
things seemed ready, the man failed to put in an 
appearance. So, after waiting some time, I had 
to retire without performing the ceremony. I 
learned, afterwards, that unavoidable circum- 
stances had prevented the groom's appearance. 
He came soon afterwards, and a magistrate per- 
formed the service. 

A few days after this, I was called upon to 
marry another party in this town, and this time 
had better success, for 1 found two couples to be 
married. One of the bride groom's was D. W. 
Wilder, then editor of the Leavenworth Conser- 
vative, and since State Auditor of Kansas. His 
bride was the daughter of Dr. Merwin; the 
names of the other couple I have forgotten. 
The occasion was a very pleasant one, indeed. 

A few miles from here lived Thomas Price. 
He and his wife were regular church workers, 



154 REMINISCENSES. 

from the east, and are still exerting an excellent 
influence in the coininiinity. Eternity alone can- 
reveal the good one family can do which con- 
sistently and quietly exemplifies in its dealings, 
temper and spirit, the principles of Christ and 
his holy religion. May they long live to bless 
the woi-ld and the church, and finally be gathered 
to their reward in heaven. 

When in this neighborhood, I often called on- 
Mr. Pierce. He was not a member of tlie 
church, butajoval, whole souled man, and his 
wife an excellent christian lady, and church 
member. I often thought him too good and 
kind hearted a man to be without a hope in 
Christ. I have learned that he has since been 
converted and joined the church. 

On Brush Creek, the Southern Methodists 
had a large and strong society, but the war had 
nearly broken them up. Such were the preju- 
dices against their ministers that they could not 
safely preach in Kansas. By invitation, I visited,, 
preached to them, and formed a society, wliicb 
most of them joined. 

Washington Marlatt was stationed at Atch- 
ison. I was not in that town often this year, 
and have no particular reminiscences connected] 
with them. I believe they moved on in tlieir 



CONFERENCE AT LAWRENCE. 155- 

ordinary way, without any striking events, one 
way or the other. If they held their own in 
these times they did welL 

O. B. Gardner was returned to White Cloud. 
As many of his members were in the army, and 
as the chaplaincy had become vacant, they re- 
newed their request for his appointment. Con- 
sequently he was commissioned, and mustered 
into service as chaplain of the Thirteenth Regi- 
ment Kansas Volunteer Infantry. Brother 
Gardner was a good and brave man. He ren- 
dered the same efficient service in the army that 
he had in the church. He was a man of more 
than ordinar}^ ability, and had a well cultivated 
mind, a warm heart, tender conscience, a firm 
and unyielding will in maintaining the right. 
He never shrank from duty, be the danger what 
it might. He was in the thickest of the battle, 
bearing off the wounded, and administering 
comfort to the dying — too valuable a man to be 
sacrificed on the altar of rebellion. He was de- 
tailed to bring a company of refugees from 
Arkansas to Kansas. On his return, he was 
intercepted by the rebels and brutally murdered. 
Surely, the blood of such a man speaketh in the 
ears of a God of mercy and justice. 

During this year one of the ministerial as- 



156 REMINISCENSES. 

sociations was held at White Cloud. Quite a 
goodl}^ number attended. D. F. Mitchell, trom 
Leavenworth ; Walden and Marlett, trom Atch- 
ison ; Lloyd, from Doniphan, met at m^^ house, 
and with L. D. Price, the Presiding Elder, we 
started in our buggies for White Cloud. 

We had a pleasant trip, and an interesting 
meeting. Brother Mitchell read an able essay, 
which awakened considerable discussion. One 
essay that was read was very long, but good. 
When called upon for criticism, I remarked that 
I admired and commended the merits of the 
essay, but objected to its length. The author 
arose, and in a long and strong speech defended 
his production. I raised the same objection to 
the defense, when a brother called me to order, 
with the remark, '' If j^ou tap him again he will 
run two hours longer." 

During this session quite an amusing cir 
cumstance occurred. After an able paper had 
been read, and the names of the members were 
called for criticism, one brother, whose essay 
had not yet been before the association, was 
pondering over it, with the paper in his hand. 
When his name was spoken, thinking that he 
was called upon to read his essay, he arose and 
deliberately walked up into the desk. The 



CONFERENCE AT LAWRENCE. 15T 

President said, " criticism." At the same time 
one or two voices were heard: "not to read your 
essay, brother." This broii,o^ht the gentleman 
to his senses, and realizing the awkwardness of 
his position, hesitated tor a moment, then 
rallied, and looking down on them with all the 
dignity he could command, replied, " Well, I 
suppose I have a right to take the stand to offer 
my criticism," Those who had called him to 
order at once asked pardon. He then said, " I 
have no objection to the essay, but, on the con- 
trary, think it of sufficient merit to justify me in 
taking the pulpit from which to offer my hearty 
commendation." He then as deliberately walked 
down from the stand to his seat. Taking it all 
together it created not a little amusement. 

Brother Lloyd succeeded, at Doniphan and 
Troy, in working up his charge to a very re- 
spectable position. A camp meeting was held 
on this work, in connection with Columbus and 
White Cloud, which resulted in bringing out a 
number of roughs, from Atchison and other 
places, who caused considerable excitement and 
annoyance. They were arrested, and were glad 
to settle for their misconduct as best they could. 
The writer attended the meeting at' its com- 
mencement, but left on Saturday to attend his- 



158 REMINISCENSES. 

own appointment, at Hiawatha, on Sunday. 
Hence, he did not witness the row. 



CHAPTER X. 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 

Conference met March 10, 1864, at Leaven- 
worth, and Bishop Baker presided. Oa reaching 
the Conference, we found ourselves agreeably 
domiciled at Governor Carney's with the Bishop 
and soiL-e book agents. This was the more 
pleasant for iis as it was renewing old acquaint- 
ances. Mrs. Thompson, mother of Mrs. Carney, 
had been a prominent member of my charge in* 
Ohio, the first year of my ministry. Mrs. Car- 
ney was then a little girl in the Sunday School. 
To meet her now, and talk over old times, was 
exceedingly pleasant. 

Mrs. Thompson was living here with her 
daughter, enjoying a pleasant home, with the 
same ardent attachment to the church she had 
in earlier life. Her christian graces had been 
maturing "s^ith years, and lier sun of life was 
gradually sinking towards a luminous setting; 
she was looking across the stream to a brighter 
world on high, and for a day that has no night. 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 159 

Mrs. Carney, although extremely modest, had 
.grown to be a dignified, christian ladj, whose 
house, heart, hand and purse were ever open 
to relieve the suffering and support the church. 
One day, while at the table, in presence of 
the Bishop, the Governor remarked that he 
thought it would have been better had I gone 
to mj^ regiment, as I would have received a 
better support than on mj work, and he hoped 
that I would do so immediately after Conference. 
He said he would give me a letter of introduc- 
tion. I replied that my appointment laid 
between him and the Bishop, and I did not 
know into whose hands I would fall ; perhaps 
I had better keep on the good side of both, and 
I hoped between them, I might fare well. 

One day, in the Conference, the Bishop 
called me to his chair, and said, that in looking 
over the work, he found he wanted me for a 
special place, and hoped I would give up the 
idea of going into the army, and leave my ap- 
pointment in his hands. I at once wrote a note 
to the Governor, decHning the chaplaincy, and 
recommended for the place my friend, the 
bearer, -Strange Brooks. The Governor, at once 
gave him a commission. 

At the close of the Conference, when the ap- 



160 REMINISCENSES. 

pointments were read off, mj name stood for 
Hartford District. At our last meetiDg at .the 
Governor's Louse, he manifested his liberality 
by remarking, that as I had consented to take 
an appointment that was much harder and less 
remunerative than the one I had voluntarily 
declined, I might, at any time, draw on him for 
one hundred dollars ; and that also the Presid- 
ing Elders of two other districts, that were poor, 
might draw on him for one hundred dollars each 
at their own pleasure. 

After the adjournment of Conference, I began 
to prepare for my new field of labor, and learned 
that it was on the Neosho River. Tliis was 
entirely new ground to me, as T had never been 
south of the Marais des Cygnes. My first quar- 
terly conference was at Hartford ; but where was 
Hartford ? I was directed to go to Topeka, and 
from there to Burlingame, wliere I would learn 
the way to Hartford. 

When all things were ready, with my wife in 
a buggy, we started for our work. The second 
night we stopped with Brother Sheldon, two 
miles south of Burlingame, near the border of 
the Indian reservation. He informed me it was 
thirty miles across the reservation, and but one 
house on the way. After a comfortable night's 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 161 

rest, we started out early to cross the "desert." 
About half way, we came to the Marais des 
Cygnes. Here was a cabin, with two old persons, 
living with a middle aged daughter. Having 
taken provender and lunch with us, we stopped, 
fed our team, warmed ourselves by his fire, and 
eat our lunch. They told us they had been 
members of the church, and were enjoying a 
blessed hope of a better world. After praying 
with them, we drove on, leaving them happy in 
God, notwithstanding their desolate surround- 
ings. Xext night we reached the Neosho River, 
and traveling down it about eight miles, we 
stopped at a farm liouse to inquire the way. 
This proved to be the house of Brother Yan- 
gundy, one of the first settlers of the country, 
a member of the church, and one of the stew- 
ard's at Hartford. He invited us to stay with 
him for the night, but I thought I had better 
reach the town, and let them know that I was 
on hand tor the quarterl)' meeting. So I drove 
on, and reached Hartford about dark, and found 
Mark Robertson, the stationed preacher, ready 
for the meeting. Brother Robertson was my 
predecessor on the district, so that from him I 
could, .get all the information necessary to pros 
ecute m}^ work. 



162 REMINISCENSES. 

I found Hartford to be a siuall, yet pleasantly 
located village. The Methodists had obtained 
a charter for a Collegiate Institute, and begun 
the erection of a good, substantial stone building, 
"which could be seen for several miles ; but it 
was not finished inside. There was only a tem- 
porary floor partition, and seats were put in so 
that they could occupy it for meetings and 
school. But in going so far they had incurred a 
debt that they could not meet, nor had they any 
money, or subscripton to finish up the building ; 
but they had several village lots, that had been 
donated to the college. 

After looking the matter over, we concluded 
the only way of relief from the embarrassment 
was to divide these lots into shares, and sell 
them for one hundred dollars each, to raise 
money to pay the debts and finish the building. 
I called the trustees together, laid the proposi- 
tion before them, and they at once adopted it, 
and appointed a committee to make the division 
and sell the shares. This proved a success, 
enough shares being sold to pay all indebtedness, 
finish up the building, and have a number of 
shares left. Things began to look more encour- 
aging, and friends of the institution began to 
think they could ''see daylight out of the 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 163 

woods." The use of the house was granted, 
and Matthew Fenimore, a local elder, opened a 
school at his own risk. 

Brother Fenimore had a brilliant mind, and 
taught a good school. He afterwards joined the 
Conference, and has since died and gone to his 
reward. Times being hard, the house was not 
finished this year. 

I found the district to be large, extending 
from Ft. Scott on the east, to Cottonwood Falls 
on the west ; and from Garnett on the north, 
to Fall Kiver on the south. The country was 
generally new, and entirely destitute of railroad 
facilities, although several roads were in con- 
templation, and have since been built. The 
whole region was abundantly watered by many 
quite important streams — the JS^eosho, running 
nearly through the center of the district, with 
the Marias des Cygnes, Pottawatomie, Osage, 
Long Creek, Crooked Creek and Deer Creek, on 
the north side, and the Cottonwood, Eagle Creek, 
Yirdigris and Fall Eiver on the south side, with 
several smaller, ever living streams. 

On all these were extensive bottom land, 
averaging from two to five miles wide — very 
rich, and productive, and the banks of the 
streams skirted with timber. On all these water 



164 REMINISCENSES. 

courses settlements were made and farms culti- 
vated ; the high prairies were not, however, 
profitable except for pasture. 

Through all this region we found many in- 
telligent, enterprising, well educated and culti- 
vated people from the older states, with a 
sprinkling, all through, of refugees from Ar- 
kansas. 

On the Neosho there were several flourishing 
villages. Outside of these the people lived in 
cabins, some of them barely large enough to 
hold two beds, a cook stove and a place to set a 
table. This served tor kitchen, dining room, 
sitting room and parlor. I generally found the 
people's hearts larger than their houses. 

Notwithstanding the field looked hard to 
cultivate, I had some glorious meetings. The 
people would come out, worship, get happy and 
shout glory to God, in hope of a better world on 
high. I have always found that the greater the 
sacrifices, the greater the blessing. The promise 
is ever verified, "My grace shall be suificientfor 
thee." Why should we then complain of labor, 
or seek ease, when such glorious rewards attend 
the faithful, suffering soldier of the cross ? 

Several Methodist families had moved to 
Hartlord to enjoy the benefits of the school. 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 165 

Dr. McGinnis, a local elder, who had been a 
traveling preacher in the Illinois Conference, 
was here practicing medicine. He was ardently 
attached to the church, and unyielding in his 
opposition to wrong, and zealous to advance 
every good cause. 

Burlington was the next charge^ down the 
river about fifteen miles. This was quite a 
lively, pleasant village. W. F. Travis was 
their preacher. Here we found the only church 
building in the district, and this a mere excuse 
for a church. It had really "fallen from grace." 
The society was weak financially, and few in 
numbers, but true, faithful and spiritual. 

Ten miles below this was Leroy, with J. 
McAnulty preacher in charge. He had labored 
hard to build a church, and had the frame up 
and partly inclosed. Near here lived Brother 
Wheat, formerly from the bounds of the Balti- 
more Conference. He was known all through 
this section as an educated, talented, and able 
preacher — logical in his arguments, sharp in his 
criticisms, respectful and honorable to an able 
opponent, but he despised to grapple with an 
inferior antagonist. Charitable to all, he was 
liberal, if possible, to a fault. It is said that he 
had, probably, given away more meals of 



166 EEMINISCENSES. 

victuals than any other man in all the country. 
He was zealous and active to build up, defend 
and advance the interests of the church. 

Eear here lived Sister Robinson, truly a 
"mother in Israel." She, with her husband and 
a large family, had moved from Ohio. Her 
husband soon sickened and died, leaving her in 
charge of a family of several sons and one 
daughter. One son they had left in Ohio, a 
minister in the Ohio Conference. Such -was her 
influence over her famil3% and in the community, 
that her sons took honorable positions in society, 
and some of them, with the daughter, were 
active members of the church. Under her roof 
have I often been rested, refreshed and encour- 
aged. To recall these reminiscences is pleasant 
indeed. Surely there are green spots, pure 
fountains, and cooling springs, scattered all 
through the deserts of earth. Why then should 
a living man complain ? 

Twelve miles below Leroy was lola, C. Mead- 
ows, preacher in charge. I found him very 
feeble, suffering from a paralytic stroke, which 
partially disabled one side. Dr. Kimberlin, a 
local preacher, who was living in the village 
and practicing medicine, was employed to sup- 



LEAVENAVORTH CONFERENCE. 167 

ply for tlie year. He was a good preacher, and 
successful as a physician. 

The village was pleasantly situated and pros- 
perous. The church had several substantial and 
influential members, and was in a very healthy 
condition. Near here I found an old veteran 
member of the church, a brother of the late 
Dennis Willie, of Baldwin City, and father of 
the wife of Wm. Butt, then a member of our 
Conference. 

Here, too, I found Brother Woollams, a local 
preacher from Arkansas, who had been an officer 
in the Confederate Army, but only long enough 
to get a chance to escape, and make his way to 
Kansas, with his family. 

Humboldt, the next village, twelve miles 
below lola, was embraced in this work. Belmont 
laid away off to the south, and took in Yerdigris 
and Fall River. J. S. Payne was their preacher. 
He was zealous in his labors and attentive to 
his studies — doing a good w^ork. On the Ver- 
digris and Fall River lived the Craigs— one a 
a local preacher, the other a steward. Belmont 
was not much ot a place ; only a few houses 
standing out on the bleak prairie. A temporary 
fort had been built and a few soldiers stationed 
there. It looked*lonely in the extreme. Brother 



168 EEMINISCENSES. 

Payne was living here with two or three families 
as his neighbors. 

At one of my quarterly meetings on this 
work, a lady came forward for baptism. AVhen 
I read to her the confession of faith, and came to 
the words, "Dost thou believe in the Holy 
Ghost, the holy Catholic Church 'I " she looked 
up in my face and said, "Aint yon a Methodist 
preacher?" I said, "Yes." She said, " The 
old Methodist Church?" I said, "Yes, the 
old Methodist Episcopal Church. What I mean 
by the Holy Catholic Church is the church of 
God in general ; composed of all true believers, 
and not the Koman Catholic Church." This 
seemed to satisfy her, and we proceeded. I 
learned afterwards that she was an excellent 
lady, but her mind was, at times, a little 
shattered. 

I have often thought it would be well to drop 
off the foot note, and change the language of 
the discipline so that it could be understood 
by all, without a comment. 

Cottonwood Falls lay away oif to the west, 
on the Cottonwood Kiver, a branch that emptied 
into the Neosho just below Emporia. This was 
a small village, but it had a good water power, 
improved by a good flouring mill. It has since 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 169 

become quite an important point on the A., T. 
.and S. F. Railroad. Among other advantages, 
it has an excellent stone quarry, from which the 
large stone in the Atchison bridge were brought. 
My work took in a large part of the rich Cotton- 
wood valley. Wm. Robertson was the preacher. 
Within the bounds of this work we found Father 
Fairchilds, a venerable local elder, who had once 
been a traveling preacher in Indiana. He was 
here familiarly known as Grand Pap Fairchilds, 
and any man was thought inhuman who did not 
love him. Everv door was open to hira ; every 
family made him welcome. May the power of 
his name long be felt in this valk^. 

Twin Spring charge is some twenty miles 
north of the Neosho, in an older part of the 
comitry. J. P. McElfresh was their preacher. 
They had an able body of official members in 
the quarterly conference, and a large and active 
membership. Brother McElfresh's labors here 
were attended with quite a I'evival. He could 
exhort and sing nearly all night and not seem 
tired. 

Garnett was the county seat of Anderson 
•County. It was quite a prosperous place. E. 
H. Robertson was their preacher. This was a 
large and strong charge, having a large member- 



170 KEMINISCENSES. 

sliip of able and influential members. This work- 
embraced Sutton's Yalley, a rich section of 
country, taking its name from a hirge family of 
Suttons, who settled in and around it. On this 
circuit lived Brother Tipton, largel}' engaged in 
cultivating an improved stock of cattle. He and 
his excellent wife were prominent people, and^ 
warm hearted members of the church. 

Mapleton, a lively and growing village on 
the road from Lawrence to Ft. Scott, in an ex- 
cellent section of the country, had a good society 
and was very prosperous this year under the 
laboi-s of A. E. Walker, their preacher. He was 
greatly assisted by the local preachers. Brother 
Wilson, who had formerly traveled in Illinois, 
was able, active, and efficient in all the enter- 
prises of the church. Brother Hatler was from 
Arkansas, where he had suffered and sacriflced 
in the service of the church, and was active in 
the cause of his Mastei*. Brother T. Willets was 
with A. Buley when he was driven from 
Texas, pursued by the mob, taken back and 
brutally murdered. The mob was also after 
Willets, but by dexterity, activity, and persever- 
ance, lie eluded them. Willets was naturally a 
strong minded man, but had few advantages of" 
education. He was naturally constituted to rule.. 



LEAVENWORTH C0NFEK£:NCE. 171 

At aii}^ time he could have raised a mob and 
gone into Texas to avenge the blood of Buley. 
But he was a christian, and chose rather to em- 
ploy his talents in building up the cause of 
Christ where he was. Axlej Swagerty was of 
old Methodist stock in Arkansas. Then there 
was Young and Walrod — all these brethren were 
true yokefellows, and aided in building up the 
cause of the Master. 

Here I found a boy studying his arithmetic 
and grammar, and preparing himself for useful- 
ness. He was soon licensed to exhort, which 
he did with such good effect, that he was soon 
licensed to preach. At the last quarterly meet- 
ing he was recommended to the Annual Con- 
ference, where he was received, and he rendered 
such good service that he was afterwards selected 
as a missionary to Inaia. This was P. M. Buck, 
whose labors in India have demonstrated his 
ability and the genuineness of his christian 
character. 

During this year we held a camp meeting 
near Mapleton. It was one of great interest and 
power. Early in the meeting a peculiar speci- 
men of humanity made his appearance on the 
ground. My attention was at first called to him 
by his getting up on a bench and publicly an- 



172 REMINISCENSES. 

nouncing a political meeting at some time and 
place. Soon after this, I saw him quite warmly 
engaged with some others in discussing the mode 
of christian baptism. Quite a crowd had gath- 
ered round them. I walked up to them and 
said, " Will- you please discontinue this dis- 
cussion, as it is attracting too much attention? " 
The parties ceased for a time, but soon they met 
again, and commenced the discussion, with in- 
creasing warmth. I went up to them again, and 
said, "One of the rules ot this meeting is that 
no discussion, or controversy, will be allowed." 
He replied, directing his remarks to me, "I am 
ready to discuss this question with any one — 
with you, if you please." I replied, " Sir, did 
you hear what I said ? If so, you will dismiss 
this discussion at once, or leave the ground, and 
save further trouble." This ended the matter. 
But he hung around the encampment, looking 
much like some hungry wolf sneaking around a 
sheep told. 

Mound City was left to be supplied. We 
found T. J. Cosseboom, an exhorter, near Bur- 
lington. Being highly recommended he was 
licensed to preach, and employed on the work. 
He rendered good service, and proved an ex- 
cellent man. On this circuit Brother Mark 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 173 

Eobertson's family were living on a "claim" 
he had taken some four years before. 

The year before a local preacher had been 
expelled from the church. He appealed the 
case to the annual conference, which sent the 
matter back for a new trial, on the grounds that 
the minutes of the quarterly conference had not 
been properly signed. He came to me at my 
first quarterly meeting to explain the case, claim, 
ing illegality in the former trial, and wished a 
a decision from me, to prevent further proceed- 
ings. I told him that both the quarterly and 
annual conferences had acted, and it would not 
be proper for me to go behind their action ; and, 
further, that it was not the time, or place, for 
me to give a decision ; but it the case came 
properly before me, I should not hesitate to give 
a decision to the best of my ability. The case, 
however, was not further prosecuted, and he 
withdrew from the church. 

On this charge lived Brother Fisher and Dr. 
Ayers, who had been traveling preachers. Dr. 
Ayers was a venerable man, and a veteran 
preacher. He had formerly belonged to the 
Pittsburg Conference, and labored side by side 
with the eminent Elder Swazie. 

At Mound City I put up with Father Reese,. 



17-J: KEMINISCENSES. 

an old, firm and well tried member of the 
church. He had been in the fierj trials through 
which the church had passed in Arkansas. He 
and his wife were living here, examples to the 
followers of the Saviour. 

Brother Sheldon Parker had been a member 
of the Ohio Conference, but was now a member 
of the Kansas. The year before he lost his 
wife. He was appointed to Marnieton. He 
commenced well, but soon got into trouble be. 
cause he wanted to get a young wife. Rumor 
went abroad that his conduct was so imprudent 
that it amounted to immorality. Charges were 
preferred against him ; nevertheless he got his 
wife, and, as tar as I ever learned, they lived 
happily together. 

At his investigation something occurred that 
really disturbed the gravity of the coui-t. One 
item against him was prevarication in regard to 
his age. In reply to this he said, in substance : 
'' Well, I might not have told the whole truth 
in regard to my age ; I was greatly annoyed. 
Often, after having preached, and gone home 
with some dear friend, some old lady would 
draw up to me, and squinting through her 
glasses, say, ' Brother Barker how old mout 
you be ? ' In answer I would say thirty-five, and 



LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 175 

^ive no further explanation. To avoid such 
attacks, I thought it best to get married, that 
inquiries in regard to my age might cease." 

This was the year of the famous Price raid 
into Missouri. What could have induced a man 
of sense to undertake such an enterprise is hard 
to understand. A more suicidal course could 
hardly have been adopted. But he was left to 
make the experiment. When his object was 
clearly understood, a call was made on the 
Kansas militia to rally for his defeat ; and such 
rallying was seldom known ! Hardly a man 
was left at home. Even those in their 'teens, 
together with the "silver grays," turned out 
-en masse^ and the women were left to take care 
of home. 

Of course, quarterly meetings had to be sus- 
pended for a time. Eat the crisis was soon 
turned. Rosecrans from St. Louis, and Curtiss 
from Kansas, were prepared for him. Under 
Pleasanton and Blunt, our army met him near 
Independence, and at Lexington defeated Price's 
forces, and made him retreat. He did so to- 
wards the Kansas line. He was pursued by our 
army, and harrassed all the way. At Mine 
Creek, two of his Generals — Marmaduke and 
Cable — were taken prisoners. 



176 EEMINISCENSES. 

In his retreat he camped for the iiiglit on 
Marias des Cygnes, at a place known as the 
"Trading Post." Here they took possession of the 
flouring mill, and rim it all night, grinding all the 
grain in it for their supply. Early in the morn- 
ing they commenced loading np their wagons, 
but before they got ready to start, our army 
opened lire on them. They had to retreat in 
great confusion, leaving their wagons in the 
road, half loaded. Some cut their horses loose 
from the wagons and fled precipitatel}^ 

Brother Cosseboom, who lived here, had to 
take shelter that night in a corn field, while two 
rebel soldiers asked to sleep in his house for the 
night. Sister Cosseboom put thein up stairs. 
They were so fatigued they did not awake in 
the morning until the army had passed on, 
closely pursued by our forces. Sister Cosse 
boom notified some of the neighbors of their 
situation, and they were taken prisoners. Price's 
army passed a little east of Mcnind City, where 
Blunt's regiment opened on them a severe fire. 
They fled precipitately, leaving many of their 
dead on the field. I have been told that Price 
had printed on his w^agon covers, in large letters, 
"Coming to stay." After the battle, some one, 
in passing over the battle field, found a dead 



LEAYENWOKTH CONFERENCE. 177 

rebel soldier with a paper pinned on his shoulder, 
which read, " I have come to stay." 

I did not succeed in getting a supply for Ft. 
Scott this year, and it had no organization there. 
The time drew near to gather up matters for 
Conference, which was to meet at Topeka. In 
going to Conference, I went a little out of my 
way to visit friends at Oskaloosa, and spend the 
Sabbath. 

The Bishop was expected there to preach, 
but as he did not come, 1 had to stand in his 
place. I took for my text, ''And these shall 
go away into everlasting punishment ; but the 
righteous into life eternal." The text was so 
impressive, and the expectation of the people 
so elevated, in regard to the Bishop, that one 
old lady remarked, after the sermon, ''Did not 
the Bishop give us a great sermon ? " So there 
is no great loss without some small gain. If I 
had to bear the responsibilitj^ of the Bishop, I 
had the pleasure of being flattered on his credit. 
I did hope the old lady would not learn her mis- 
take lest it might alter her opinion in regard to 
the sermon. 

Monday evening Bishop Scott, Dr. Crary, 
and D. P. Mitchell put in an appearance, but 
too late to preach. As preaching had been an- 



178 REMINISCENSES. 

nounced for that evening, the Presiding Elder 
of this district had to shoulder the burden. But 
he did not enjoy the advantaeje that I had had, 
as they all knew him ; but they said he did well, 
called out as he was on the spur of the moment. 

Monday and Monday night it thawed and 
rained so that the roads were a complete mud 
hole. In some places it seemed as though the 
bottom had fallen out. Tuesday morning we 
all started out — some in buggies and some on 
horses — Brother Mitchell, with the Bishop and 
Dr. Crary, taking the lead. We had proceeded 
but about half a mile when we were passed by 
some one on horeback, in full speed. It proved 
to be Brother Joseph Evens, with a basket of 
lunch, which he was taking to the Bishop's 
company. 

We dragged along our weary way, through 
the mud and slush, and when about half way, 
came to a stream too high to ford. We called 
to a house on the opposite side. They told us 
the creek was running down, and would soon be 
so that we could cross. We unhitched and fed 
our horses, built a fire, and eat our lunch. By 
this time the water had so far run down that we 
hitched up and crossed in safety. On inquiring 
the name of the creek, we were told that it was 



THE TOPEKA CONFEKENCE. 179 

Big Mucldj, Bishop Scott dryly remarked he 
thought the whole thing was a " big muddy." 

We did not reach Topeka that night, but got 
within about six miles of the town, where we 
scattered among the neighbors lor the night. In 
the morning we took an early start and reached 
Topeka in time for Conference. 



CHAPTER XI. 



THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 

Bishop Scott presided. The church building 
was not yet finished, but sufficiently forward to 
be occupied. An effort was made, during the 
Conference, to raise funds to complete it. Several 
speeches were made. Bishop Scott said thej^ 
had better knock off the roof, tear down the 
building and start anew, or finish it, put on a 
cornice, and give it a respectable appearance. 
I believe a sufficient sum was subscribed by the 
preachers to complete the building. J. D. Knox 
was transferred from the Pittsburg Conference, 
and made their stationed preacher. 

In the case of a member of the Conference, 
who had been suspended, and whose case was 
for trial, the committee reported that the charge 



180 REMINISCENSES. 

of immorality had not been sustained ; but that 
he was guilty of great imprudence, and should 
be reproved in open Conference by the Bishop. 
At the close of one of the sessions, the Bishop 
called the brother to the altar and said, in sub- 
stance : " Brother, the committee which has had 
your case under consideration, have found you 
guilty of imprudence, and decided that you 
should be reproved in open Conference by the 
chair. In regard to the merits of the case, of 
course, I know nothing. The word imprudence 
is capable of being divided into many degrees. 
It may be of such a character as to cryyv with 
it gross immorality, and it may be of such a 
character, that although not necessarily immoral, 
yet strikingl}^ improper. This appears to be the 
view the committee took of your case. Im- 
prudence should be carefully avoided by all 
christians ; especially ministers should be above 
suspicion, and their influence always be for good; 
they should be careful at all times to shun the 
very appearance of evil. I hope in the future 
you will be more circumspect, and let your con- 
duct and character be worthy of your profession, 
considering how great a stain a little imprudence 
can bring upon the cause of the blessed Saviour." 
After these impressive remarks, the Bishop 



THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 181 

said, "Sing the doxology, and Brother Brooks 
will pronounce tlip. benediction." 

The brother who had been rejDvoved raised 
his head, and led the singing, as if extremely 
happy. This created a little amusement. 

The proceedings of the Conference, on the 
whole, were conducted with much dignity and 
dispatch, and were felt by all to be pleasant and 
profitable. The Bishop preached at eleven 
o'clock Sunda}^ morning, on "The Upright 
Walker, " describing him as having his feet firmly 
planted on the rock of everlasting ages, his 
"body erect before the altar" of God, his head 
exalted, his heart filled with love, and his mouth 
speaking the praise and glory of his risen and 
exalted Savior. 

In my report of the Hartford Collegiate 
Institute a brother objected to calling it a college, 
or putting forth any effort to build it up as such. 
I replied that I reported just as I found it. This 
was the character under which it received its 
charter, and I did not propose to nick-name it. 
The Committee on Education, however, in their 
report, politely let it down by speaking of it as 
an academy, and complimenting the church in 
Southern Kansas for seeking to give their chil- 
dren an academic education, and hoped it would 



182 KEMINISCENSES. 

become a feeder to Baker University. Well, I 
suppose Baker University needed feeding, and 
Southern Kansas was as able to feed it as any 
other portion of the State. 

The business of the Conference was concluded 
Monday forenoon ; the appointments were an- 
nounced, and we all prepared to depart, not 
expecting all ever to meet again on earth. All 
seemed by the expression of their countenances 
to say, "I will try to do better this year than in 
the past." I started for my old field of labor, 
and in company with brother Sheldon and his 
wife, drove as far as their house, about twenty 
miles. 

G. W. Williams was appointed to Hartford. 
He had had some experience in teaching, and 
was appointed to this work with the understand- 
ing that he would teach the "academy" and be 
pastor of the church. He succeeded in both. 
This year the college building was finished, the 
floors laid, stairs put up, and recitation rooms 
partitioned off, and put in good condition. Sev- 
eral families moved into the place this year. 
Brother Morgan opened a store. Father Baysinger 
with three sons moved into the town, and bought 
property, D. K. Handen a local preacher. Raw- 
son from Mapleton, Kirkpatrick a local preacher 



THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 183^ 

from Iowa, all came this year, so that we had 
an excellent society, and a good place to worship 
in — the college building. Sister Williams started 
a subscription to purchase a bell for the college^ 
and soon its line tones saluted our ears, and 
rolled across the prairies. A camp meeting was 
held near the town, which resulted in great good 
to the church, and added to its numbers. 

J. McAnulty was stationed at Burlington, 
and put in a good year's labor. A camp meet- 
ing near by resulted in much good to the 
community. 

At Leroy, the church was gradually gaining 
strength. Brother Hatler, their preacher, took 
hold of their building enterprise, and pushed it 
towards completion. A. B. Walker was ap- 
pointed to lola, and rendered good service. We 
held a camp meeting on Deer Creek, in the 
neighborhood of brothers Dolan and Wright, 
two substantial families. It was a meeting of 
great interest and profit. At a prayer meeting, 
in the altar, on Sunday, there was such a spirit- 
ual influence that many pressed forward for 
prayers. One Lieutenant from the army started 
forward and tell his whole length in the altar. 
Many were soundly converted, and joined the 
church. 



IStt KEMINISCENSES. 

Humboldt was made a separate charge this 
year, and J. S. Pajne was appointed as their 
preacher. There were but tew members at this 
point, but five miles down the river was a lar^-e 
class. In this neighborhood was Wesley Garuth 
who married the daughter of Anthony Baley. 
Garuth was with Buley making tlieir escape 
from Texas when the mob overtook them. They 
hung Buley, but Garuth made his escape by 
taking refuge in the woods, and eluding his pur- 
suers. Marmaton was a good circuit, and W. F. 
Travis was their preacher. He bought and 
finished up a good parsonage this year. When 
Price's army passed through Marmaton in their 
retreat, they robbed and set fire to a store, and 
passed on. Travis was in our army that drove 
Price from Kansas. 

Ft. Scott was taken up as an appointment, 
and Strange Brooks, who had come out ot the 
army, was appointed their preacher. He com- 
menced well, and succeeded in organizing a class, 
but staid only about half the year, and then 
transferred to Iowa. We employed brother 
Duran, a Southern Methodist preacher who lived 
here, and had united with our church, to fill out 
the year. The Presbyterians had a good society 
here, and a good preacher. They had just fin- 



THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 185 

islied a nice church, and invited the Methodists 
to occupy it half the time, which invitation was 
accepted. At one of my quarterly meetings I 
•enjoyed the privilege of hearing a good sermon 
by the Presbyterian preacher in the morning, 
and I tried to preach in the evening. Major 
Insley, a local preacher, lived here, but was in 
the commissar}^ department of tlie army. 

Mark Robertson was appointed to Mound 
City, his home. At one of mj^ quarterly meet- 
ings I enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Broadhead, 
a descendant of Elder Broadhead, one of the 
earliest and noblest Methodist preachers in an 
early day, and I believe at one time a Member 
of Congress. There were two brothers living 
here who were deeply interested in its welfare, 
although not members of the church. Their 
father, a local preacher, was stopping with them. 
He is now a superanuated preacher of the 
Southern Kansas Conference, a noble man, and 
I am told greatly resembles the original Broad- 
head. 

Mapleton was prosperous this year, under the 
faithful labors of T. J. Cosseboom. E. H. 
Bobertson was returned to Garnett the second 
year, and J. T. McElfresh the second year to 
Twin Springs. The principal part of the Bel- 



186 REMINISCENSES. 

mont work was on the Yirdi^ris. Win. M.. 
Robertson was their preacher. This was a hard 
work and poor pay. Eureka, at the head of Fall 
River, was supplied by J. Hansberry. This 
circuit took in all the region to tlie State Line. 
In much of our traveling in this part, we did not 
pretend to follow any regular road, but learning 
the locality we wished to reacli, we took our 
course across the prairies, sometimes traveling 
twenty miles without seeing a house. I remem- 
ber my first trip to Eureka was a long and 
tedious journey, lording creeks, and crossing 
"divides." Near night, and almost discouraged, 
I ascended a long and gradual rise to a high 
elevation. Looking beyond, some five miles, 
down an equally gradual slope, I discerned a 
few houses. I was ready to exclaim "I have 
found it!" 

Cottonwood Falls improved this year under 
the labors of Brother Meadows. It was a year 
of hard work, long and dreary rides, and some- 
times of scanty fare. But I shared the hospital- 
ity of frontier settlers, eating at their tables, 
and sleeping in the same room, talking together 
of our christian experiences, and mingling 
around the family altar. Our spirits were often 
refreshed. Our quarterly meetings were always- 



THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 187 

profitable, (at least to me) and were times ot 
refreshing from the presence of the Lord. I 
never got tired of the work, but frequently got 
weary in it. 

I will give some incidents in one of my quar- 
terly meeting trips. It was in the summer. We 
had planned for a three weeks' trip, in the east- 
ern part of the district, and, as it was vacation 
of the school, Brother Williams proposed going 
with me, in the interest of the school. All 
things being ready, we started out. 

Our trip lay down the river to lola, about 
thirty miles. Here we took the Military road 
for Ft. Scott. In crossing Deer Creek, we stuck 
in the mud, and one of our ponies broke its 
whippletree. We had to unhitch, tie our lariat 
to the buggy tongue, and with the other pony 
on the bank hitched to the other end, draw the 
buggy out, and up the hill. Here we stopped 
for the night, with Brother Wright. In the 
morning we made a new whippletree, hitched 
up and drove on. We reached Ft. Scott the 
next night, and received a hearty welcome from 
Major Insley. Brother Brooks was succeeding 
well. He had organized a class, and all things 
were assuming a favorable aspect. The quarterly 



188 REMINISCENSES. 

meeting was, I trust, profitable. The congre- 
gation was large and attentive. 

My next meeting was on the Martnaton 
work, at Petegrem's school house. It had 
commenced raining, so that when we reached 
the neighborhood. Mill Creek was so high we 
could not cross it to the place of meeting. We 
put up with a brother until the creek ran down, 
and then crossed and held our meeting without 
further interruption. 

Our next meeting was to be a camp meeting, 
some eight miles below^ Humboldt. The rain 
continued to fall, so that the roads became bad, 
and the traveling difficult. On reaching Hum- 
boldt, we made the acquaintance of Dr. Wake- 
field, who had been a surgeon in the army. He 
invited us to stop with him for the night. He 
said the camp meeting had been abandoned be- 
cause the streams running into the river could 
not be forded. The river had overflowed its 
banks, and the water reached the camp ground. 
I accepted the invitation, and found him a very 
intelligent and agreeable man, and his wife a 
highly cultured christian lady. They were both 
substantial, active members of the church. We 
were agreeably and pleasantly entertained for 
the night. 



THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 18^ 

In the morning we started for Hartford, our 
home. The water was still rising, and there 
being several streams to ford, we concluded to 
press on as far as possible, take an early supper, 
and then drive as tar as we could before dark,, 
and camp on the prairie, so as to take an early 
start in the morning. We fixed on Brother 
Miller's, one of the stewards of the lola work, as 
our stopping place. He lived between lola and 
Leroy, and we knew his heart to be as big as 
his house, which was ever open to the servants 
of the church, and his table ever bountifully 
spread for their comfort and refreshment. We 
reached his place about three o'clock p. m. He 
fed our ponies, and his wife prepared an excellent 
supper, after partaking of which we hitched up 
and drove on with his ''God speed." 

We drove through Leroy a little before sun- 
set and pressed on until dark, to within a short 
distance of Crooked Creek. Here we lariated 
our ponies, put down the curtains of our buggy, 
spread down our buffalo robes, and laid our- 
selves down to sleep. Soon it commenced 
raining, and continued to do so all the night.. 
The prairies were literally covered with water. 
As soon as it was light enough we commenced 
to hitch up, to cross the creek before it got too- 



:190 REMINISCENSES. 

iiigli. One of the ponies broke lier lariat, and 
refused at first to be caught. We succeeded, 
after a good deal of effort, and drove in haste to 
the creek, tliere to learn that it was too high 
to ford. A man told us there was a ford half a 
mile above, where we could cross. We drove on 
rapidly to the crossing. Taking our satchels in 
-our laps, we unceremoniously plunged in. The 
water came up to the ponies hips, but they took 
us safely through mud and water. 

About noon we came to the banks of Long 
Creek, there to learn that it was more than 
thirty feet high. Stopping with Father Landers, 
who lived on the bank of the creek, for dinner, 
we learned they were building a bridge about 
half a mile below, but had only got the abut- 
ments up, and the stringers on, so that footman 
-could cross. Getting some young men to assist 
me, we drove down to the bridge, and finding 
some plank, we laid them across the stringers, 
and others over them lengthwise of the bridge, 
for the buggy wheels to run on. With the har- 
ness in the buggy, we drew it across by hand. 
Then taking my lariat, wliich was about fifty 
feet long, and tying one end to one of the pony's 
bridle bits, one of us taking the other end, and 
\walking across on the stringers, the other driving 



THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 191 

tlie pony into the stream, so that by being 
"towed," and swimming, it passed safely across. 
We then took tlie other across in the same way. 
On reaching Ottumwa, they told us the 
streams between there and Hartford could not 
be crossed ; so, striking out on the high prairie 
and taking the divide between the Neosho and 
Marais des Oygnes, we headed the streams until 
we came opposite and in sight of Hartford ; then 
•descending to the bottoms, we made tor the 
river. Soon we came to what appeared to be a 
deep slough of water, and fearing it was too 
deep for safety, I gave the lines to Brother 
Williams, put my coat, vest, watch and pocket- 
book into tlie buggy and waded through, he 
following in safety. 

As it was getting late, I got into the buggy 
and told him to drive on, and I would put on 
dry pants, and dress without stopping. On tak- 
ing up my vest and coat, I saw my watch lying 
on the seat, the crystal broke, and the watch so 
smashed as to be of no further account as a time 
piece. 

We reached the river, but could not ford it. 
So passing up about one mile, we left our buggy 
and team with Brother Fenimore, went down to 
a saw mill, and crossing in a small boat, reached 



192 REMINISCENSES. 

home and fouDcl all well. But I was iiiinus a 
good gold watcli. Some might call this hard 
fare and poor pay, and a great sacrifice of ease, 
comfort and prosperity ; but I never viewed it 
in this light. I was in the King's service, and 
His business was of the first importance, and safe, 
honorable, and profitable. Nor had I cause to 
doubt or fear, for all the resources of heaven 
and earth were at His disposal, and subject to 
His command, and His promise was '' My grace 
shall be sufficient for yon." 

I ever found this faithfully veiified. One 
thing I could never understand, how some young 
preachers could talk of sacrifices in the ministry! 
If they would look back to the pit from which 
they were digged, they would see that instead 
of being hamiliated by the ministry, they had 
been greatly honored ; instead of making sacri- 
fices in the work, they had been greatly exalted, 
honored and benefited in every way. With all 
my weakness, pride, and self importance, and 
sense of honor, I never thought the ministry 
lowered me, bnt greatly lifted me up. With all 
its deprivations, labor and anxiety, I never con- 
sidered it harder than the ordinary pursuits of 
life ; but, in many respects, greatly superior to 
any other calling, profession, or pursuit. 



THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 193 

First, we liaA^e the approval of our own con- 
science in trying to do the will of God and 
benefiting onr fellow men. 

Second, the sense of the approbation of God 
^ives satisfaction, resignation, and confidence in 
the darkest hour, bitterest calumny, fiercest per- 
secution, and most threatening danger.' 

Tliird, we have companionship with God. 
We walk and talk with God ; make known our 
wants in prayer, and receive His answer, "Lo, I 
am with you always. Fear not, I am with you. 
Be not dismayed, I am thy God. Call upon me 
in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and ye 
shall glorify me." 

These sweet, encouraging answers more than 

satisfy the soul, and we unite with the poet and 

exclaim : 

" With Thee conversing we forget 
All time, and toil and care ; 
Labor is rest and pain is sweet, 
If Thou, my God, art here." 

Oh, how often have these precious promises 
buoyed up my spirits on these lonely prairies, 
and enabled me to exclaim : 

" On Christ, the solid rock, I stand, 
All other trust is sinking sand." 

The year wound up with a good state of 



194 KEMINISCENSES. 

religious interest on all the charges, and we 
started for Conference, feeling that we had tried 
to build up the Master's cause, grateful for His 
support, and hopeful for the future. 



CHAPTER XH. 



BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 

Conference commenced March 15th, 1866, 
Bishop Kingslej presiding, G. W. Paddock, 
Secretary, J. D. Knox and L. L. Hartman, 
Assistant Secretaries. J. M. Trimble, one of 
the Corresponding Secretaries of the Missionary 
Society, was present, and added much to the 
interest of the Conference by his counsel, ser 
inons and addresses. 

Business of more than ordinary importance 
€ame before the Conference. Baker University 
attracted much attention. J. W. Locke, Pro- 
fessor of Mathematics in Asbury Universitj^ and 
a man of very superior ministerial and literary 
ability, had been elected President. He com- 
menced his labors with a good prospect of 
success, but health failing, he had to resign. 
The Trustees elected J. W. Horner in his place. 
Horner had been a Colonel in the army. The 



BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 195 

Uiiiversit}', after years of toil, beset by almost 
insurmountable ditiiculties — poverty, drought, 
the grasshopper plague, war and famine, want 
of suitable buildings to accommodate the school, 
and having as yet a character to establish so as 
to attract students, had gradually worked its 
way up, step by step, until all these difficulties, 
except the buildings, had been overcome, and it 
was rej)()rted free from debt. With an able 
corps of teachers, and a large number ot students, 
a large, new, substantial and commodious build- 
ing had been commenced. The foundation was 
laid, when they had to stop for want of funds. 
This being the site of the Univei-sity, the 
pi-eachers became acquainted with the Faculty, 
saw for themselves the buildings— and thus an 
interest was awakened in its prosperity. Almost 
every session had some action in regard to the 
University, and many of the evenings wei'e de- 
voted to its interests. It seemed that many of 
the preachers had Baker University on the brain. 
The college at Manhattan, that had been patron- 
ized by the Conference, had been sold by the 
Trustees, to the State, for an agricultural college, 
and Brother Denison made its President. All 
these matters came before the (conference, and 
elicited much debate, warm discussion, and sharp 



196 EEMINISCENSES. 

crossfire, among those immediately interested in 
these institutions. I remember Colonel Horner, 
President of the University, arose and said, 
"There has been some pretty sharp skirmishing 
this morning, but I do not think much damage 
has been done. It reminds me of something 
that took place in the army at one time. We 
were camped tor the night, near the enemy ; we 
doubled our pickets, and gave specific orders 
that if anything appeared they should fire a gun 
as an alarm. About ten o'clock we were startled 
by the sound of a gun; then several others in 
quick succession were heard. The regiment 
sprang to theii-'feet and formed for battle in 
quick time. We sent out some scouts to ascer- 
tain where and what the danger was. Soon 
they returned and reported no danger ; it was a 
false alarm. An old cow, feeding in the woods, 
made some cracking among the brush near one 
of the guards, who thought the enemy coming, 
and fired the alarm ; the other guards responded 
in quick succession, ^o one was hurt except 
little Johnny A — , who, in his haste to load and 
fire, shot off the end of his thumb." 

At this session the organization of the Con- 
ference Church Extension Society was completed, 
its officers were elected, and it was put in work- 



BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 197 

iiig order. The discussion of Indian Missions 
took some time. Major H. W. Martin, agent 
for the Sac and Fox tribes, was here with tlie 
head chiefs, and an interpreter who wished to 
address the Conference. Permission being 
given, the chief said, "We wish you to send 
ns a missionary, to live among us, teach our 
children, and preach tor us." The Agency was 
made an appointment, and Brother Rogers, a 
local preacher, employed to supply them. The 
term ot L. D. Price, as Presiding Elder of the 
Leavenworth district, expired at this Conference. 
The Bishop had some difficulty in selecting a 
man for the place; not for want of suitable men, 
lor there were several eminently qualified for the 
position, but to decide between men was the 
difficulty. The lot finally fell on D. P. Mitchell. 

This was the one hundredth year since Meth- 
odism was first introduced into this country, 
and it was decided to celebrate it as the cente- 
nary of American Methodism. From 1766 the 
Methodists existed in the form of societies, or 
classes, with preachers and preaching places, 
but without the sacraments. Under the spiritual 
direction of Mr. Wesley, who felt bound to pro- 
vide for them the sacraments, and preferred an 
Episcopal form of church government ; he or- 



198 REMINISCENSES. 

dained Thomas Coke a Bishop for America, and 
sent him over to the Christmas Conference, 1784. 
He was to organize them into a Methodist 
Episcopal Chuech, and preside over them as 

their first general superintendent. 

«^ 

At this session G. W. Paddock was made 
Corresponding Secretary of the Conference Cen- 
tenary Society. The Ft. Scott district was 
formed, taking from the east end of the Hart- 
ford district, Ft. Scott, Marmaton, Mound City, 
Mapleton, Garnett, Twin Springs, and New 
Albany. W. R. Davis was made the Presiding 
Elder. There was added to the Hartford district 
the Sac and Fox Indian Mission, Emporia, 
Americus and Council Grove, so that we had 
about as much territory as before the division. 
J. McAnulty was stationed at Hartford, where 
he labored with his accustomed success. The 
church grew in numbers and spirituality^, and 
became a very pleasant charge. G. VV. Williams 
was made principal of the school, conducting it 
with ability and admirable success. The school 
was large in numbers, and excellent in its influ- 
ence. On the whole, the church and school 
were a grand success. Burlington was on the 
rise ; T. McQuiston took hold of the charge with 
spirit, and succeeded in advancing the interests 



BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 19\) 

of the church, in every direction. By liis zeal 
and energy he succeeded in building a good par- 
sonage, and moved into it. In the tall, we held 
a camp meeting. It was of more than ordinary 
interest. Brotlier Paddock, Secretary of the 
Centenar}' Society, was with us, and preached 
several able sermons, and lectured on the intro- 
duction, rise and spread ot American Methodism. 
This lecture made a profound impression on the 
minds of all present, and opened the eyes of 
man}^ to the real strength and influence of the 
church. Leroy prospered this year under the 
labors of- Brother Hatton, who was returned the 
second year, and succeeded in completing the 
church. It was a very neat and comfortable 
h(nise, and was dedicated before Conference — 
C. R. Kice, from Ft Scott, preaching a very 
able dedicatory sermon. 

All things were pleasant and profitable at 
lola, where Brother Walker was on his second 
year. At Humboldt, J. S. Payne was on his 
second year. Things had so improved at this 
place that the Trustees concludevi to move the 
parsonage here, from five miles below. Brother 
Payne's wife sickened and died, during the year, 
leaving him with two small children to provide 
for. Sister Payne was a woman of more than 



200 KEMINISCENSES. 

ordinary ability, and well educated. She had 
been a member of the Baptist Church, but united 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church to help 
her husband in his christian life. When, in 
obedience to the Master's call, he entered the 
ministry, she thought she miglit aid him, hold 
up his hands, and cheer his heart in his responsi- 
ble work, she cheerfully sacrificed the comforts 
of a pleasant home, and, side by side with liitn, 
entered the changeful lite of an itinerant minister. 
But, her itineracy has closed, and I trust she is 
safely located in her heavenly home. Ministers' 
wives, although they have not the same duties 
to perform, have vastly more to suffer, and the 
sacrifices they have to make are far greater ; 
their example and influence are of great import- 
ance to the church. 

Early in the w^inter ray quarterly meeting 
came on the Eureka work ana Rumboldt. My 
wife accompanied me on this trip. Our first 
meeting was on the Eureka work. It was held 
in a private house, which was seated with 
benches. After preaching, the benches were 
carried out doors, to give the women a chance to 
do their cooking and set their tables. The 
neighbors came in, the house was filled, and 
they all seemed to enjoy the meeting ; I trust it 



BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 201 

was profitable to all We sta^^ed in the neigh- 
borhood over Monday, and Tuesday started for 
my next appointment. It turned cold and com- 
menced snowing ; when we reached the river 
opposite Plumboldt, we found it too high to ford, 
so we had to turn back about a mile to find a 
place to stop for the night. \Ye stopped with 
Brother Witten, a local preacher from Arkansas. 
He had for a residence three log cabins, each 
about twelve feet square. In one was a loom, 
bed and fireplace ; in another was an old, super- 
anuated cook stove and a bed. In this they put 
us, after building up a good fire, and hanging 
-some blankets around the outside to keep the 
wind out. Brother \Yitten furnished a good 
suppl}^ of wood, by a free use of which we man- 
aged to keep from freezing. 

The other shanty they used for cooking and 
eating in. , It had no door, but a blanket was 
hung up to keep out the cold. Here we ate and 
-shivered at the same time. But we thought if 
they could stand this all the time, we could 
«tand it a short time. They did all they could 
to make us comfortable and happy, and they 
•did it so cheerfully, that we really enjoyed it 
^nd felt grateful. 

We stayed here over Wednesday night. 



202 REMINISCENSES. 

Thursday, alter dinner, we concluded to try the- 
river again. Brother Witten got on his horse, 
and rode down to the river with us. It was so 
high he decided we could not cross, and would 
have to return and stay another night. He said 
there was a ford, about five miles above, which- 
he was sure we could cross the next day, as the- 
water was running down a little. The following 
day we started in the morning lor the ford. 

On reaching the river we found it full of 
running ice, and looked threatening ; but a man 
told us we could cross safely. Just as we were 
about to enter, a large cake of ice came down, 
which would have carried us down the stream. 
We waited a little time, and when it passed we- 
rushed in, and reached the other side in safety. 
We then drove briskly on, to warm up our 
team, and reach comfortable quarters for our- 
selves. Reaching Humboldt, we received a. 
hearty welcome, and most pleasant entertain- 
ment during the meeting with Dr. Wakeheld. 

Emporia, one of the most important, pleas- 
ant, and prosperous towns in Kans-as, is located 
on a gently rolling prairie, between the ricli, 
fertile valleys of the Neosho and Cottonwood 
rivers ; it has a rich farming country around it, 
sufficiently distant from any large town to avoid 



BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 203 

competition. Its Urst settlers were not inferior 
in judgment, talent, and far reaching sagacity to 
any in tlie State. Ranald, with line judicial 
ability, was one of its first judges. In an early 
day J. Stotler comnienced to publish one of the 
most popular and able weeklj^ papers in the 
State. 

Emporia was the home of Colonel W. F, 
Cloud, an excellent christian gentleman, who 
rendered excellent service in the western army 
during the war. He was a local preacher of 
good ability. 

Senator Plumb was among the first in every 
respect, and added much to the prosperity of 
the place by his counsel and enterprise. He was 
a major in a regiment of volunteers, and when 
Quantrell's band made their bloody raid on Law- 
rence, at the head of a portion of our army, he 
intercepted, and drove them from the State. 
There were many others, with whose names I 
am not now familiar, who were equally promi- 
nent in building up the place. 

Early in Kansas legislation Emporia secured 
the location of the State Normal School. The 
Methodists had a strong society there, embracing 
some of the leading families: Judge Watson and 
family ; Gillett and wife ; Malona and wife ; 



204 KEMINISCENSES. 

Murdock, a local preacher ; Father Adams aud 
wile, and many others whose names I cannot 
now recall. They had a good, substantial stone 
church, and J. H. Leard was their stationed 
pastor this year. He sustained himself well, as 
a preacher, and was especially active and efficient 
in the Sunday SchooL In the winter G. W. 
Paddock held a series of meetings there in con- 
nection with his centenary work, that resulted in 
great good ; man}^ prominent citizens were con- 
verted, and added to the church. 

I visited the Sac and Fox Mission but once 
this year, and learned that they did not care 
much for a preacher, but wanted a teacher to 
instruct their children. 

Council Grove was supplied by a Brother 
Shockley. He had but a few members in the 
village, and a small class some four miles west 
ot the town. But the Southern Methodists had 
a strong society, and the Presbyterians a good 
preacher. The town was growing into some 
importance. 

Our last quarterly meeting for this year was 
on the Belmont work, and was held on the Yir- 
digris. After the meeting closed we started for 
Hartford. 

Traveling up the Yirdigris River some ten 



BALDWIN CITY CONFEKENCE. 205 

miles, we stopped for the night with Brother 
Gassway, and found his wife suffering with the 
chills. It had turned cold during the afternoon, 
and commenced snowing and blowing, which 
continued all night. The storm was too severe 
and threatening for us to proceed, as our way 
led across a houseless desert of some fifteen miles. 
So we remained another day and night. 

The storm raged fearfully all day, but with 
a rousing fire and a cook stove in the room, by 
frequent turning, we managed to keep one side 
warm at a time. The second morning the storm 
had so far abated that we thought it safe to pro- 
ceed, and about ten o'clock we resumed our 
journey. 

Traveling up the river some four miles, we 
left the road and struck for the divide between 
theYirdigris and Eagle Creek. Following up 
the divide some ten miles, we came in sight ot 
the timber on the head of Four Mile Creek, a 
branch that emptied into Eagle Creek, some 
four miles below. On this creek, two or three 
families had settled. 

Descending from the divide, we followed 
down the creek, and soon came to a new house. 
Driving up to the door, we inquired of the 
woman if we could get a chance to warm. She 



206 KEMINISCENSES. 

replied that we could, but her house was open, 
and she had only a cook stove to warm it, and 
green wood to burn. We concluded to drive on. 

Keaching Eagle Creek, we stopped for the 
night with Robert Mahaifey. In tlio niorning 
we drove into Harthjrd, about three miles. The 
next day I started tor Conference, by the way 
of Boniphan County, there to rest a few days 
with old iriends. 

Conference was to meet at Manliattan. After 
a short visit with triends 1 resumed my journey. 
On reaching Bolton, in Jackson County, I found 
Brother K. Taylor holding his quarterly meeting, 
and tarried over Sunday. From the spirit of 
the meeting I judged the work to be in a healtliy 
and prosperous condition. Wm. Knipe was 
their preacher. 

Monday, in company with Brother Taylor 
and his wife, and Brother Knipe, I started for 
Manhattan. It turned cold, and commenced 
snowing and blowing, and continued so the whole 
journey. 

On reaching Manhattan, I learned that the 
railroad was blocked witli snow ; that the cars, 
with the Bishop, book agents and several 
preachers on board, could not get through in 
time for Conference. 



MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 207 

CHAPTER XIII. 



MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 

Manhattan Conference met March 13, 1867. 
Bishop Ames not being present, G.AV. Paddock 
■called the Conference to order. James Shaw 
was elected President pro tern., and G. VV^. 
JPadduck, secretary. Only ten members being 
present, the session soon adjcnirned to two 
-o'clock r. M. 

The afternoon session was chieli}' occupied 
'with religious services. The cars came in at 
night, so that on Thursday morning Bishop 
Ames took the chair. 

At this Conference G. W. Paddock trans- 
ferred to the Erie Conference, where he fornjerly 
belonged. 

My wife's health having been poor for two 
jears, and my own health failing, I thought it 
advisable to take a supernumerary relation, 
iivhich the Conference granted me. 

After the Conference adjourned I proceeded 
at once to Doniphaft County, where I expected 
to spend the year. Troy and Wathena were 
supplied by a transfer from the east, a Brother 
Browm, but he failed to come. Brother Mitch el, 
the Presiding Elder, requested me to fill the 



208 REMINISCENSES. 

place, wliich I conseuted to try to do, until he 
could get a penuanent preacher. 

Although I had often been in Troy, passed 
through it, and preached on every side of it, up 
to this time I had never preached in the village, 
as we had had no church organization in the place 
for several years. Wlio introduced Methodism 
into Troy, I am unable to say. I think, how- 
ever, it was Abraham Bennett, a local preacher, 
while a supply on the Doniphan work, some four 
years before. Brother J. Lawrence had been 
stationed here, and was blessed with quite an 
extensive revival. lumbers united with the 
church, and it was considered quite an important 
point, being the county seat. 

At my first appointment, I found them wor- 
shiping in a school house. The congregation 
was composed of many old acquaintances and 
friends. D. M, Johnson, whom I met at Leaven- 
worth the first time I visited Kansas, and had 
traveled with from Leavenworth to Doniphan, 
then his home. He was not then a member ot 
their church. He had moved to Troy, and was 
a lawyer of good ability — kind and true as a 
friend, but sharp and cutting as an opponent. 
Under the labors of Brother Lawrence, during 
the revival, Johnson cast in his lot with the 



MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 209 

people of God, was souiidlj converted, and be- 
came an active member of the church. 

Here, too, was Peter Smith, whom I had 
met before at a camp meeting, and had heard 
him relate a very interesting and somewhat 
novel experience concerning his conversion. 

Charles Kapilee 1 liad known at Columbus, 
where he had generally acted as Secretary of 
the Quarterly Conference, and Sunday School 
Superintendent. He was now County Clerk, 
and Superintendent ut a very flourishing Sunday 
School, and exerting a most excellent influence 
in the community. There were other active and 
influential members of the church and congrega- 
tion whose names I cannot now recall. They 
were all well united, and labored harmoniously. 
The meeting of these long known and well tried 
friends, under such circumstances, gave great 
encouragement, and I felt that I must succeed. 

But there is another side to the picture. 
Many unfavorable circumstances surrounded us. 
There was no building in which to w^orship, ex- 
cept the school house, and that inconveniently 
located. The Presbyterians had a good church, 
favorably located,. and pleasant in all its parts. 
They had a large membership of respectable and 
influential families. Their pastor was a popular, 



210 REMINISCENSES. 

able, and active minister. The two societies 
were on the best of terms, and labored harmo- 
niously, side by side. But we had the short end 
■of the doubletree. 

The Methodists had a lot for a church, and 
rock on the ground for the foundation ; but here 
they had to stop for want of means. Our first 
service was pleasant, interesting, and I trust 
profitable. After the sermon I met the class. 
The members manifested a good degree of cour- 
age and spirituality. They gave me a warm 
reception and hearty welcome. 

Unfavorably located as our place of worship 
was, and uncomfortable, compared with a good 
church, we had the satisfaction of knowing that 
those who came to worship with us, came be- 
cause they wanted to. Sister Cash, from the 
Presbyterian Church, often met with us in our 
social meetings, which were always very inter 
•esting. In fact, she was a Methodist, but to 
help her husband. Dr. Cash, she went with him 
to the Presbyterian Church. 

Our meetings continued interesting and profit- 
able during the year. The members were 
unanimous in all their efforts. They were grow- 
ing in grace and favor from day to day. 
Pinancially, things began to brighten. Daylight 



MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 211 

dawned, and we resoh^ed to proceed and binld a 
brick church. Subscriptions were circuhited, 
and a sufficient •amount subscribed to justify tlie 
trustees in letting tiie work tor enclosing the 
building. This ^vas accomplished, and we felt 
that we had made a little progress. On the 
whole, this was a very pleasant year, and I 
parted W'ith them with the best of feelings, 
greatly encouraged by their prospects. 

This was but half my work. Wathena and 
Troy ware connected together, as one charge, 
and I had to preach once each Sunday at both 
places, and travel six miles between. Wathena 
was an old appointment. WInle on the district 
I had held quarterly meetings there several 
times. It is four miles from St. Joseph, situated 
between the heels of the "horse shoe" bend of 
the Missouri River. It has passed through various 
-changes, sometimes pn^sperous and then the 
rev^erse. The society w^as, at first, w^eak ; it had 
some trouble and a hard struggle for existence. 
Then, under the labors of Brother Gardner, of 
precious memory, it revived and became quite 
prosperous and strong. 

When 1 now visited them, I found but two 
or three that I liad known before ; others had 
Laken their places. I met, for the first time, Dr. 



212 REMINISCENSES. 

Sturgis and his excellent lady. Dr. Sturgis was 
a skillful and successful physician, and a pillar 
in the church. 

Here, too, 1 found a Mr. Harden and his 
amiable famil)^ He was not a member of the 
church, but his wife and daughters were, and 
most excellent members. He was a warm friend 
to the church. To see him act, and hear him 
talk, one would think that the interest of the 
church was uppermost in his heart. And then 
there was Father Wright, nearly eighty years 
of age, and with very vigorous powers ot body 
and mind, and a will so indomitable that he 
would stand up for the church although all the 
world opposed. 

Brother Paulson had supplied this place and 
Troy the previous year. He lived at Wathena, 
and succeeded in starting a church building, and 
got it inclosed, the floor laid, and one coat of 
plaster on the walls. This incurred a debt that 
embarrassed them for years. With a temporary 
pulpit and seats, in this house we worshiped 
during the year. It was the only place of wor- 
ship in the town, except an old school house. 
Our congregations were good, and on the whole 
we had a pleasant year. 

One little incident occurred of rather a novel 



MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 213 

nature : A man and his wife lived here in a very 
comfortable home ; they were both members of 
the church ; the)' had no children, and were 
always in their place at the time of worship. I 
had known tiiem before, and thought tliem ex- 
cellent christians. The man was small in stature, 
and quiet and meek in his appearance. She was 
large in stature, commanding in appearance, and 
of more than ordinary intellect. But, with 
some peculiarities, she had strong faith as a 
christian, and was considered by all who knew 
her a worthy member of the church. She was 
well posted in general matters, and had for many 
years taught school. They would come to 
church and return home together, he walking by 
her side, with an air which indicated that he 
realized and appreciated her superiority and 
goodness. But, somehow or other, a kink got 
into his head, and without giving any reason, 
he unceremoniously left his home and went to 
live with a neighbor. She followed him to learn 
what the trouble was, and to induce him to re- 
turn. But he would give no explanation, and 
positively refused to return, leaving her alone 
to provide tor and defend herself, which she was 
eminently qualified to do against any ordinary 
intruders. 



214 KEMINISCENSES. 

This took the whole communitj bj surprise. 
All who knew them thought that there was not 
a more pleasant, united, and happy couple in 
the town. They now came to church and re- 
turned, each by themselves. After waiting some 
time for sober second thought to have its in- 
fluence, I undertook to labor with him ; but it 
had no effect. He would make no explanations, 
give no reasons, or make any promises. I 
brought the case before the church, cited him 
to appear and answer to the charge of imprudent 
conduct, and show cause why he did not live 
with and provide for his wife. 

In selecting the committee to try the case, 
I chose one member from the German Methodist 
Episcopal Church. I doubted, at the time, the 
strict legality of this choice, but as the discipline 
was not designed to be mandatory, but reforma- 
tory, I made the choice. He appeared before 
the committee, but would make no promises of 
change. 

The committee thinking him willful, and 
stubborn, brought in a verdict of guilty and 
recommended his expulsion. I did not agree as 
to the penalty, and referred the case to the 
quarterly conference. 

To the fourth quai-terly conference, D. P. 



MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 215 

Mitchell, Presiding Elder, I presented the case, 
and asked a decision on a question of law, viz.; 
Was it legal, according to our discipline, in 
selecting a committee to try an accused member, 
to select one of them from another church ? He 
decided in the negative. This left it just where 
I wanted it. 

Various are the scenes the minister is com- 
pelled to witness in his calling. One comes now 
to my mind that made a deep impression on all 
who were present at the time : There lived in 
Doniphan County a man and his wife who had 
been very unfortunate in rearing their children ; 
all had sickened and died except one. It was a 
bright and promising child ; all their affections 
clustered around it, and they fondly hoped it 
would be spared to them. But it took sick ; no 
pains were spared for its recovery ; they watched 
over it day and night, but it died. I was re- 
quested to attend its funeral. It was a cold, 
bleak day ; the ground was frozen hard ; snow 
flakes were in the air ; the wind was bleak and 
piercing. The neighbors had gathered in, while 
the storm was howling without. After praying 
and making some remarks, we prepared to take 
the body to its last resting place. One of the 
neighbors opened th-e cofRn, that all might have 



21G REMINISCENSES. 

a last look at the remains. The mother bent 
over it for a moment, then fell upon it, and 
clasping the coffin in her arms, exchiimed: ''How 
can I permit mj darling to be carried out in the 
storm and buried in the cold ground, never to 
see it an}^ more? " These parents were without 
the christian hope. The neighbors had to take 
her from the coffin, before^the solemn ceremony 
could be concluded. 

This brings up another scene, similiar in 
son:ie respects to the above ; in oilier resj)ects 
very dissimilar: I was called to attend the 
funeral of a child, and on reaching the house, I 
found the mother lying on a cot in the room, 
wasting away with consumption. After the 
usual service, the friends took tlie cotHn to tire 
side of her cot, assisted her to turn, so as to 
take her last view on earth of her darling. With 
a composed and cahn countenance, she looked 
at it for a moment, then raised her emaciated 
hand, and laid it on the cold face, and with a 
sweet and heavenly voice said : "Sleep on my 
child, your mother will soon be with you in 
heaven." She was turned back on her cot, 
while a heavenly glow lighted up her dying 
brow. She was in the full enjoyment of a cliris- 
tian's hope. In a few days I was called to preach 



MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 217 

;her funeral sermon, and 1 Lad no doubt her 
;Spirit was then with her child in glory. How 
precious and true is the declaration, '-Godliness 
is profitable unto all things, having the promise 
•of the life that now is, and that which is to 
.come." 

The church at Troj had a parsonage in the 
suburbs of the town. Having a chance this 
year, they traded it for a lot adjoining the 
.church. There was on tliis lot a new house, 
but not completed ; when finished, it would be 
.a mucli more pleasant and valuable ^property 
than the old parsonage. 

At the approaching Conference, Brother 
Tiiornbrue was stationed at Troy and Wathena. 
During this year, I think, they finished the 
•church at Troy, and had it dedicated. 

During this year I moved from my farm in 
Doniphan County into Atchison. T. F. Houts 
■was stationed at Oskaloosa. His health failino:, 
Bnjtiiers Price and K(jberts came to Atchison to 
get me to supply his place I consented to do 
so for a time. I found them a very warm hearted 
.and kind people, atid the congregation of more 
•than ordinar}^ intelligence. They had some 
local preachers living there capable of filling 
:anv charfi^e in the Conference. We had one 



218 REMINISCENSES. 

qiiarterlj^ meeting while I was with them,. 
Brother Leonard was Presiding Elder. It was 
a time of interest and profit as Brother Leonard's 
meetings always were. 

The more I became acquainted with the 
charge, the more I was encouraged for its pros- 
perity. But we were soon reminded of the truth 
of the poet's sentiment, that we could not go 
to heaven on flowery beds of ease; and, that the 
christian's path was not always smooth, or unin- 
terrupted ; that the atmosphere wouhl not always 
be calm ; but that the road W(nild 'sometimes be 
rough and rugged; the sky would not always 
be clear and serene, but clouds and storms would 
arise when we least expected it. 

The church at Oskaloosa,with all their talent 
and piety, had become a little divided on the 
question of instrumental music, causing a slight 
ripple on the surface. I had no fears but that 
their good sense and piety, with a little time and 
the blessing of God, would bring all things 
right; and I am happy to believe it has. 

It is strange what small things will some- 
times trouble the child of God. It reminds me 
of an anecdote I once heard of a church in a 
certain locality, tliat had run into the habit ot a. 
sort of sing-song tone in their religious exercises. 



MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 219" 

The preacher prayed and preached in the same 
kind of a tone. One good brother arose in one- 
of their social meetings and said : '' Brethren, I 
want to be a christian, but there are many diffi- 
culties in the way, and I fear I shall never- 
overcome them. I have been trying ever since 
I united with the church to get the holy tone,, 
but I fear 1 shall never get it. Pray for nie." 

What ridiculous and small things sometimes 
interfere with christian prosperity. " Behold, 
how great a matter a little fire kindleth." Too 
often we "Pay tithes of anise, mint, and cummin, 
and omit the weightier matters of the law, judg- 
ment, mercy and faith." A little good, common 
sense, that very uncommon tiling, is all important 
in all the affairs of th<^ church. Oskaloosa had 
enoufijh of that, and piety too, with the blessing 
of God, to overcome the trifles. I spent a few 
weeks with them very pleasantly, but personal 
business matters demanded my attention in De- 
troit, Mich., and I had to part with them. Still 
they have a warm place in my heart, for it was- 
with my own daughter, and her husband, Rev.. 
L. D. Price, that I had my home at Oskaloosa. 
I did not become sufficiently acquainted with 
the congregation to enable me, at this date, to 
recall them all by name, but the memory of a. 



220 EEMINISCENSES. 

few still pleasantly remains. J. W. Roberts, a 
local elder, and editor of the paper, was one. 
He drove a sharp, and strong pen, and was 
always active in the affairs of the church. 

Jacob Boucher, a local elder, was sympathetic, 
spiritual, and able as a minister, and liberal in 
the support of the church. 

Brother Newhouse was as willful a christian 
.as one often meets. The foundation of religion, 
with him, was the determination of his will, by 
the grace of God, to do right and trust in Christ. 
He would oppose with equal tenacity what he 
believed to be wrong. He lived in close com- 
munion with his God. It was a pleasure to 
spend a season with him in christian converse. 

Joseph Evans was as active and sprightly as 
a boy, although about my age. He was suc- 
cessful in business, hopeful as a christian, under 
the darkest cloud. It was almost impossible to 
have the "blues" in his presence. 

John Sinnod was not very emotional in his 
-temperament, but firm and established on prin- 
ciple, and always at his post of duty. 

Brother Shrader was an old veteran of the 
cross, whose face has for many years been fixed 
toward glory, and whose motto is, "I will fioht 
it out on this line " But the most of those I 



CHANGES. 221 

have mentioned have passed away. Boucher, 
JSTewhoiise, Evans and Sinned have crossed the 
river, but left a good record behind them. 



CHAPTER XIY. 



CHANGES. 



Since my iirst acquaintance with Kansas,, 
great changes have taken place. It was then 
but a sparsely settled territorj^, under a pro- 
slaver}' administration, agitated from center to 
circumference by the contention between slavery 
and freedom. It was soon admitted into the 
Union with a free state constitution, and quiet, 
peace and prosperity was the immediate result. 
Then came the extensive drought of 1859, that 
was so protracted as to make it necessary to send 
abroad for help to save the people from starva- 
tion. We had but just recovered from the 
effects of the droughts, when the grasshoppers 
came in such numbers as to eat up every green 
thing. They continued more or less for about 
three years. 

But things have all changed, so that Kansas 
is no longer considered any more subject to 
droughts, than most of the older states. Even 



r222 keminiscensp:s. 

^lie western counties, that were once considered 
uninhabitable for want of sutlicient rain, have so 
changed that abundant crops have been pro- 
duced, Thej stand side by side with the eastern 
portion of the state in productiveness. The 
grasshopper is no more known or feared in the 
land. 

An almost unbroken expanse of prairie was 
presented to the e);e, dotted over with ''claim" 
shanties. Now, the spacious farm house and 
barn have taken their place. Tlie well cultivated 
iield, covered with golden grain, has taken the 
place of the prairie grass. Where tlie buffalo 
and antelope used to roam undisturbed, now the 
Jersey, the short horn, and all the best improved 
stock fatten on our own produce, and furnish 
our milk, butter, cheese and meat, with an 
.abundant supply for other markets. 

Railroads were unknown in the territory 
•when I first came to Kansas, but now the}' are 
.running in almost every direction. Many of 
the villages have grown into cities, with their 
manufactories, wholesale houses, and retail trade. 

Then, we had but few weekly newspapers, 
now we have many dailies. I remember when 
Atchison had but one small weekly. I was 
i>oarding with the editor and proprietor when a 



CHANGES. 223 

man came to buy it out. He was joutliful in 
appearance, and but a short time out of his ap- 
prenticeship. The trade was made, and the 
title of the paper changed. The iirst number of 
the new publication came out. When I read the 
editor's introduction, I said: "If that young 
man lives, he will make his nuirk in the world"." 
He is now the Governor of the State — John A. 
Martin. Atchison now has three dailies, with 
several printing and book binding establishments. 

The little group of christians that numbered 
at iirst only eight or nine persons, around whom 
religious people could cluster, continued their 
services every Sabbath, although they had no 
permanent place for meeting, but changed from 
the office to the school house, and then ' to an 
upper room on Commercial street, until the first 
€hurch was built on Parallel street, opposite the 
Court House block. This little band continued 
to increase in numbers and influence until other 
churches began to talk of organizing. 

Tiie Congregationalists were next to the 
Methodists to commence operations. Then the 
Baptists, and Protestant Episcopalians gathered 
up each a small membership and commenced 
building churches. The Presbyterians followed. 
Brother Davies and wife, who were of the orig. 



224 KEMINISCENSES. 

inal lumiber of our first society, aided in its- 
organization. 

The Methodist Episcopal Cliiirch South liave- 
built a church in South Atchison. Some prom- 
inent citizens have been connected with then]; 
among them Colonel Abel and fau)ilj. He was- 
one of the original town company, and very 
active and influential in building up the city. 
But he has died and gone to his reward. They 
have had several good preachers, and have done 
their part in defending and building up the re- 
ligious interests of the city. 

Other churches have been established, so 
that I counted on September 11, 1886, twelve 
notices for preaching, in as many diflerent places 
in the city, on the next day. From this small 
beginning has grown up, and spread around, all 
the religious influence in the community. We 
ma}^ well say, ''TlieLord hath done great things 
for us, whereof we are glad." 

Other places have undergone greater changes 
than Atchison. I remember holding quarterly 
meetings in Topeka when they had but a hired 
room in which to worship. The society was 
small, and not wealthy ; they had commenced 
to build a stone church, had the walls up, but 
no provision for roof or windows. Four quarterly 



CHANGES. 225 

conferences, in succession, tried to devise means 
to supply roof and windows ; this we only ac- 
complished alter considerable time and effort. 
Since then, they have not only iinished the 
church occupied for years, but have built a new 
and more conjmodious one in its stead, besides 
organizing some seven or eight different so- 
cieties, most of which have become self sup- 
porting churches. Lawrence had a very ordinary 
church building, and badly located at that ; 
now they have a fine church. Many other 
churches have changed in a similar way. 

But when we look over the death roll, what 
changes have been made ! We confess that 
when we look these things over, a sort of joyful 
sadness comes over us. We are glad we ever 
made their acquaintance, were benefited by their 
counsels, and shared their hospitalities. The 
memory of those who have gone before us, 
crossed the river of death and left us behind, is 
both pleasant and sorrowful ; the images of 
these heroes arise up before us as we write. 

Father Still, the oldest member of the C(m- 
ference, when I came, was yet active, zealous, 
and efficient in the work of a Presiding Elder. 
But hardships of pioneer life, together with in- 
creasing years, soon weighed him down so that 



226 REMINISCENSES. 

the Conference granted him a snperanuated re- 
lation; this, instead of comforting the old veteran 
as the Conference designed it should, rather 
afflicted him. Pie had enlisted for Hie, and 
could not bear the thought of going out of the 
ranks. So anxious was he to be in the active 
work, that the next Conference changed his re- 
lation, and gave him work, to which he went 
with all the courage and determination ot youth. 
But the Master called him, and gave him a 
transfer to the land of rest. 

James S. Griffin was one of the original num- 
ber who composed the Kansas and Nebraska 
Conference. He was a young man, with a good 
mind, well cultured, and had a good education. 
He was constitutionally diffident, modest, and 
retiring in his deportment, but firm, and estab- 
lished as a christian; warm and kind as a friend; 
zealous, and practical as a preacher; faithful, 
and diligent as a pastor; exact, and conscientious 
in all his dealings — so easy, pure, and true, 
that he exerted on all around him a most ex 
•cellent influence. In short, such a man is worth 
his weight in gold — a jewel of inestimable value. 
He had a warm place in every heart that knew 
Mm. He never failed to build up the interest 
of the church where he was stationed. But the 



CHANGES. 227 

Master has ''called him from labor to refresh- 
ment." I met him at the first Conference I 
attended in Kansas, and was associated with 
him in tlie Master's work four years in sue* 
cession, and always found him firm and reliable. 
I have worshiped with him at quarterly meet- 
ings and camp meeting, and was always protiterl 
by his society. I am glad I ever made his 
acquaintance. It is pleasant to call up these 
recollections; yea! joyful to meditate on those 
hallowed hours when we took sweet counsel 
together, and side by side engaged in the work 
of the Lord with one heart, and one mind, 
"while glory crowned the mercy seat." But I 
am sad when 1 think I shall see liis face no more 
on earth. 

D. P. Mitchell was transferred from the Pitts- 
burg Conference in the year 1863. Brother 
Mitchell had brains enough tor an entire Con- 
ference, and a determination that knew no 
bounds, except the limits of possibilities. The 
service of God, with him, was a matter of prin- 
ciple. He took hold of the work in Leavenworth, 
where he was first stationed, with a hxed pur- 
pose and a strong hand, and dealt out such 
steady blows that the powers of evil were 
shaken, the church aroused, encouraged and 



228 REMINISCENSES. 

quickened with increasing vigor. He accom- 
plished what will never be forgotten: maintained 
a large congregation, paid off a heavy church 
debt, more than doubled the missionary collec 
tions, greatly increased the amount of all the 
benevolent collections, and placed the church on 
the high way of prosperity. When his term of 
service as pastor expired, he was made Presiding 
Elder of the district, which work he performed 
with equal ability and success. 

In after years, in the division of the Confer- 
ence, he fell into the South Kansas Conference, 
where he continued his labors with his accus- 
tomed zeal and ability. His Conference sent 
him as tlieir delegate to the General Conference. 
Unfortunately for him, politicians took him up 
as their candidate for Governor on the Green- 
back ticket; this undoubted!}^ hastened his death, 
as it increased his labor and anxiety. He had 
a well organized physical frame, capable of 
enduring great hardships, but the powers within 
were so powerful and active as to drive the 
machinerj' with such velocit}^ that it literally 
wrecked the body in the meridian of life. He 
was on the cars, going from one appointment to 
another, when the summons came, and he. died 
there, in the midst of his days, and abundance 



CONCLUSION. 229 

of his labors. It is pleasant to think of his 
labors for the church, his success in the ministry, 
his invincible courage and perseverance in the 
cause of truth; but it is sad to think tliat he died 
so soon, and will be no more with us on earth. 



CHAPTER XY. 



CONCLUSION. 



In the spring of 1868, H. D. Fisher was 
stationed in Atchison, and found a pretty good 
working membership. He took hold with a 
will, as he always does. Things moved pros- 
perously for the year. Brother Adams, who 
had been a member of the Conference, had 
located and settled here with his wife, who was 
a daughter ot Father Still, the oldest preacher 
in the Conference. It was said that when 
Brother Adams was on a charge, his wite would 
sometimes preach while he tended the baby. 
They were both active and useful members. 
During the year Brother Fisher, Gunn of the 
Baptist Church, Van Wagner of the Congrega- 
tional Church, and some other ministers in the 
place, inaugurated a system of street preaching, 
on Sabbath afternoons, in the shade of buildings. 



230 REMINISCENSES. 

Large congregations came out at these meetings. 
I remember on one occasion, Brother Yan Wag- 
ner having charge of the meeting, introduced a 
young man to lead the service, and remarked to 
the congregation, "A young man from college, 
who is at home during vacation, will address 
you on this occasion. He is not accustomed to 
public speaking, but if he fails I will back him 
up and help liim out." I was standing just 
behind him at the time, and almost involuntarily 
remarked, ''and if you fail, I will help you out." 
But the young man did not need any help. He 
delivered a most interesting and impressive 
address from the words "For we must all stand 
before the judgment seat of Christ." Those 
who knew Brother Yan Wagner had no fears of 
his needing any help. A few months after this. 
Brother Fisher being absent, I was requested to 
supply his pulpit on Sunday. I preached in the 
morning. In the evening we assembled again, 
but I was so exhausted that I did not feel as 
though I could preach. As the congregation 
had assembled, I concluded, although trembling, 
to do the best I could. After singing and 
prayer, a friend came to the pulpit and informed 
me that Brother Yan Wagner was in the con- 
gregation. I said to him, "Tell him to come up 



CONCLUSION. 231 

to the pulpit, I want to see him." He came up, 
I said, ''You see there is a large congregation,, 
and I am not able to preach. I wish you would 
preach for me." He consented; after singing 
another hymn, he arose, and relating the occur- 
rence mentioned above, said, "as Brother Shaw 
then kindly agreed, it I failed, to help me out, I 
am here to-night to help him out." He then 
went on, and preached one of his excellent ser- 
mons, called up as he was without time for 
preparation. I could not but think ot an anec- 
dote of an old negio, whom his master had sent 
to blast a certain rock ; he failed after two or 
three efforts — the packing every time blowing 
out, making only a brilliant flame, he said to his 
master, '^Massa, I 'spicion that powder's been 
burnt afore." Be that as it may. Brother Yan 
Wagner's powder was always dry and ready to 
burn on the touch ot fire. 

Atchison continued to prosper, and the 
church shared in its prosperity. Several influ- 
ential men were connected with the church, and 
congregation ; I will not call names here, as 
I have mentioned tnany of them in another 
chapter. To call the names of all who acted 
well their part, would swell this volume beyond 
its design. Such was their prosperity that thej 



232 KEMINISCENSKS. 

began seriously to talk of building a new church, 
and all things seemed favorable. The lots on 
which the church now stands were secured, and 
a better selection could not have been made. The 
present building was erected, the basement was 
finished and dedicated during Brother Fisher's 
administration. The old church was sold and 
moved out to Ridge Prairie, about fourteen 
miles, where it is now occupied as a church. 

In 1871, T. J. Leak succeeded Brother Fisher 
at Atchison. To maintain the interest in a 
church after such a man as Brother Fisher, is 
sufficient encouragement for any young man. 
Brother Leak not only maintained the interest, 
but in some respects increased it. Several new 
families were brought into the congregation and 
church. But some, I fear, were a little leaky ^ as 
after Brother Leak left, a few leaked out. 
Brother Leak succeeded in finishing up the 
audience room, and had it dedicated. In doing 
this, a heavy debt was incurred. Under this 
burden the true members labored for years ; but 
such burdens are sometimes profitable, as they 
try men, and show of what material they are 
made. In many churches there are some, in 
the days of popularity, prosperity and ease, 
who are always at the front. They will sing 



CONCLUSION. 233 

.the sweetest, shout the loudest and praj the 
longest of all the members. But let misfortune 
.overtake the church ; let the foul tongue of 
slander be employed, and persecutions arise 
against the church, they will be whist as nnce. 
Let there be responsibilities to be taken, burdens 
to be borne, they will be found with their backs 
to the church, making tracks for the world as 
rats from a burning ship, while the reliable, the 
true, the genuine child of God, will patiently 
bear the persecutions of the world; cheerfully 
.meet all the responsibilities of the church ; bear 
all its burdens, and thus carr}^ it on and up to 
•certain victory and triumph ! A number of 
such members and friends Atchison had and 
has. Brother Leak's three years were pleasant 
and profitable. 

Then came Brother Dearborn, in the very 
prime of life, with a judgment ripened by rich 
years of experience. He was a good preacher, 
a close student, and faithful pastor. Although 
this was one of Atchison's hard seasons, on 
account of the debt, and interest to be paid. 
Brother Dearborn stood firm to his duty, and 
guided the church safely amid all the storms. 
'The last time I listened to him I thought he 
preached the best I had ever heard him. May 



234 KEMimSCENSES. 

he have the satisfaction ot knowing that his- 
labors were appreciated in Atchison, and that 
we remember him with gratitude. At the ex- 
piration of his services the church was in a 
healthy condition. 

After Brother Dearborn, Brother Friend was- 
stationed here, and he was a " friend " indeed, 
intellectual, ambitious, industrious, studious, 
zealous, and true — but so sensitive that to look, 
at him cross would chill hiui through and 
through. But he had no need to be sensitive, 
for he stood six feet high, and commanded the- 
respect and love of all who knew him. He had 
the burden to bear that Brother Dearborn had' 
borne before him. I think it was during his^ 
administration that Brother Newcomb proposed! 
to the church that if ihey would pay the interest 
on the church debt, and relieve him from that, 
he would pay five hundred dollars a year on the 
principal, to whicli the church agreed. This 
was kept up during his administration, and the- 
debt became visibly diminished. 

After three laborious, yet pleasant, years, 
Brother Friend's term expired, and Brother- 
YanDeventer succeeded him. He had a well 
balanced mind, was calm and calculating in all 
his movements. He had no particular points^ 



CONCLUSION. 2rS5 ' 

of strength that towered up and made him con- 
spicuous, but he had good, sound judgment, 
connected with a warm heart, and untiring zeal 
in tlie cause of the Master. 

The financial plan that had been adopted, 
was carried out promptly, and was producing 
good results. All the interests of the church 
were carefully looked after, and, on the whole, 
it was a snccesstuland prosperous three years' 
service, and he lelt for Conference respected 
and beloved by all. 

Then came Dr. Krohn. We all thought we 
had got just what we needed — a doctor who 
would heal all our maladies, administer the right 
medicine at the right time, and in proper doses 
to insure perfect health. His first sermon made 
a good impression, and all his subsequent efforts 
were of a sinjiliar character. Providence seemed 
to favor us. There was a growing impression in 
the minds of the church and community that 
the time had come to remove our church debt^ 
Dr. Krohn took in the situation, and imbibed 
the same sentiment. He began to mature his 
plans, lay off the work, and marshal his forces. 
The result was far more glorious than the most 
sanguine dared to hope, for a debt of several 
thousand dollars was paid off, and a sufficient 



236 EEMINISCENSES. 

amount was raised for improvements, besides 
fencing in the lot, painting the building, reno- 
vating and decorating the interior. All this was 
accomplished with little or no squealing during 
Dr. Krohn's administration. 

Sister L. O. Robinson came here as as evan- 
gelist, and labored several weeks, with great 
and glorious success in saving souls and build- 
ing up the church. 

Dr. Krohn's three years' services closed 
profitably and pleasantly, and for the first time 
in years, the report went up to Conference that 
the church debt at Atchison was all liquidated 
and the church on the high tide of prosperity. 

At the coming Conference, Dr. Krohn took 
the appointment of "Temperance lecturer and 
organizer for the State," and became in some 
way connected with the publication of a paper. 
This, his friends regretted, for they all thought 
his proper place was the pulpit. In the path of 
-duty their are no lions. 

Our next pastor was the present one. Dr. A. 
H. Tevis, and a more faithful and efficient one 
the church has never had. With him all things 
have been encouraging Irom the start. Valuable 
improvements have been made to the parsonage, 
the congregations are large and increasing, and 



CONCLUSION. 237^ 

almost every week additions are made to the 
Diembersliip. 

Business in the city is on the increase ;. 
finances in the church received a new impulse, 
by the well arranged program of the Missionary 
Convention that met here last July. Such men 
as Bishops Bowman and Ninde, Dr. Butler, Mc- 
Cabe, Spencer, Fry and others, right from the 
fields of labor, gave such an interest to the cause 
of missions, that Atchison is now shouting "a 
million for missions." Dr. Tevis is hoping to 
take to the approaching Conference more than 
six hundred dollars as missionary money. This 
is far in advance ol any thing the church has 
ever done. 

To me these reminiscences are very inter- 
esting ; although broken in health and weighed 
down with years, in calling up these memories, 
my heart grows young, and I feel like buckling 
on the armor afresh, and rushing to the front, 
that I might fall on the field of battle. These 
jottings remind me of what great things the 
Lord has done for us. I have been permitted to 
sit under the instruction of these godly, holy 
and devoted ministers tor years, and from every 
one I have learned something, and I ought to 
be very wise by this time. Then we have had a 



;238 KEMINISCENSES. 

noble band of Presiding Elders: Marshal, Dr. 
Davis, venerable with years and abundant in 
labors, Holman, Wake, and Dr. Denison as gen- 
erals of the army. Truly, to sit under the 
instruction of such men, is like ''oil upon the 
;head, or wine upon the leas well refined." 



THE END. 



.^ 




^0^ o ° " ° -^ O 
















LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




016 088 236 # 



